Hello Panama Forum

[PanamaL]

Hello, we just found this forum today. We have been missionaries to Panama for 4-5 years; we lived in Chitre for 3 years, went back to the States for furlough, and are now in Penonome. "We" are Dad, Mom, 2 year old girl, and 6 month old girl. Hola!

[becky7474]

Hola and welcome!!

[fleeted]

Hello PanamaL and welcome! Pleased you have found this excellent resource! A big thanks for the missionary work you are providing.
My colleagues and I supported medical missions to Peru and Bolivia for many years. While I never traveled and provided care I did work behind the scenes to raise money, medical supplies and of course cover their patient load in their abscence. Upon their return it was rewarding to see the photos, read the letters and watch the videos. The gratitude these villagers expressed for the care they recieved was very uplifting. For some the dental care they recieved from the team Dentist was the first they had ever gotten in their lives. I intend to to volunteer at the local clinic a couple of days a week when I get to Panama full time. I feel that is the best way for me to truly get to know my new neighbors and their families. How do you like Penomone and it's people? I look forward to hearing your experiences in Panama. Again Welcome!!!

[BalaBeacher]

Yes, we hope you share your knowledge and experience with us.

[MRWOOHOO]

Welcome

[PanamaL]

fleeted, where will you be living? You will be a local hero doing medical volunteering. From our experience, public health care here is not pretty. Although we do enjoy being able to go to the top private doctors since it is a fraction of the USA cost. Usually we can get in the same day. We were spoiled when we went back to the States and had to wait several weeks for an appointment!

[fleeted]

fleeted, where will you be living? You will be a local hero doing medical volunteering. From our experience, public health care here is not pretty. Although we do enjoy being able to go to the top private doctors since it is a fraction of the USA cost. Usually we can get in the same day. We were spoiled when we went back to the States and had to wait several weeks for an appointment!

I like allot of areas in Panama including Boquete, Bocas and Volcan. I have to say I have decided on the Azuero Peninsula to call home. The area was safe and beautiful. Because I am younger I don't require quick easy access to major medical like allot of older expats do. This opens up the Azuero as a good option for me. I also love to fish and prefer the quiet towns to the large cities. I have only been in one hospital and that was in Bocas. The staff gave the best care they could but the facility was more like a clinic than a hospital. I can see the need for qualified medical personnel in rural Panama and I think my skills would benefit the community. Volunteering would also help me to increase my spanish vocabulary in the way of medical terminology. I would also get to see and treat some diseases and Parasites that in the states I have never seen first hand. I expect to benefit the community and be a better practioner for the effort.