Have we really helped them with what we have done? Have we made a good impression on the locals on medicine/dentistry as well as both the hospitals we represent? Were there any kids we may have inspired to consider the sciences as a future? My hope is that at least some of these can be answered with a sound YES. They are the real reason why are here and we mustn’t forget that as people of healthcare.
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They Are Our Reason Here
李忠陽， Edward Li
Dental Institute， King’s College London

The overwhelming thoughts running through the last few busy， tiresome yet exhilarating days is one of admiration， appreciation and serenity. This can be applied towards the city of Chiang Rai， all the villages we visited， the people who visited our mobile polyclinic setup and last but not least， all the staff involved in organisation， assistance and the overall care of our medical team!

I have to mention our medical team. It was comforting knowing that we first met， the majority of the group was meeting for the first time too， so me and Sadhvik weren’t the only ones. The group consists of such an eclectic mix of characters that I am truly enjoying being around and appreciate their humour as well as their communal attitude towards everything. They really go all-in during work whilst keeping a very lighthearted， bright spirited vibe about them as they hop between patients， smiling and laughing plenty throughout the days of work. A great team to work alongside and I am very grateful in their trust towards me and Sadhvik’s ability to let us just get on with procedures without a hint of doubt.

At the heart of it all， despite all the site seeing， food devouring and Poki raids， the people we saw at our clinics really made this trip something special for me. Being the first time I have joined a team for a trip like this， I really had no idea of what to expect. There was nothing to compare to except a few anecdotes from friends and staff. The locals were so earnest， tolerant and polite. It is very heartwarming seeing their gratitude for what little work we are able to achieve in the one/two days we settle near a community. Phrases such as “It’s okay， lets leave this tooth for next year” really hit home and remind one that we are essentially the only people they may see within the next year regarding their health or at least teeth. It was an interesting debate in my own mind when thoughts like this cross. On one hand the minimal set up gives us a lot of freedom to slack and get-by per say but then it is also because of this coupled with the fact the people fully entrust you with their well-being without a question， with all faith and on top that even appreciation for what we achieve that on the other hand， we become particularly more mindful and empowered to do the best we can for them. Our actions have a greater impact than we may imagine.