For the past few weeks, the Uganda Rhodes MHIRT team has worked tirelessly to develop a manual and training workshop curriculum to share with healthcare providers in the Bushenyi district. Our work this year, is a continuation of the HPV/Cervical Cancer study that was done last year. This past Tuesday we implemented our first workshop on sociocultural influences on health, with doctors nurses, and medical students  from Kamapala International University Teaching Hospital. The workshops consisted of lively discussion about patient-provider interactions amongst individuals affected by HPV/Cervical cancer.  I thoroughly enjoyed presenting, strategically thinking, and working through the materials with my group. The information was well received and the participants were extremely interactive.  If I must say so, the first workshop was a success! Our weeks of planning and preparation definitely have payed off. We have four more workshops to go. I believe that as time goes on, each workshop will improve. 

Between all of our hard work, we’ve also made time for some relaxation and self care. We were able to visit Kabale and spend time at the beautiful Lake Bunyoni as well as go for a swim and get an amazing view of Queen Elizabeth Park at King Fisher Resort. 

As I reflect on my time here thus far, I’ve learned  to prepare for the expected and unexpected. Patience is a virtue and definitely a key to success. Its super important to ask for what you need because people are generally more than willing to help you. I can’t wait to see what the next 4 or so weeks hold!