Physician Assistant Amy McKee Joins Relief Efforts in Haiti
Amy McKee joined Capitol Spine & Pain Centers© in 2009 as a Physician Assistant. An invaluable member of the staff, she assists daily with the development of comprehensive treatment plans for patients suffering from acute and chronic pain.
A dedicated medical professional, Amy earned her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies from Stony Brook University, where she had the opportunity to marry her passion for medicine with her commitment to community service. Among other charitable endeavors, she completed a rotation in Oaxaca, Mexico, where she supported medical treatment programs for rural communities, and at graduation, the PA Program presented her with the 2009 Award for Professional and Community Service.
For Amy, community service is a higher purpose. Her transcendent desire to help her fellow man was evidenced most recently when she mobilized to assist with on-site medical support in Haiti after the nation suffered a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake.
"We are extremely proud of Amy’s work in Haiti,” says Mayo F. Friedlis, MD, Managing Partner, Capitol Spine & Pain Centers. “Her compassionate approach to healthcare is inspired, and a great reflection of the patient care philosophy we embrace at Capitol Spine & Pain Centers."
Amy recently returned from her seven-day trip and shared her experience:
Why were you inspired to help with Haiti’s relief efforts?
This was one of the worst natural disasters on record, and these people needed help, desperately. How could I not be inspired? I’ve assisted in refugee camps, and supported relief efforts in poor, rural areas of Latin America and Africa, so I’ve seen firsthand just how critical medical care can be in the best of times, let alone after something as devastating as an earthquake.
Where were you stationed?
I was stationed in Milot, a rural town in the northern part of Haiti, about 75 miles from Port-au-Prince.
Did you coordinate your participation through any organization such as the Red Cross?
Yes, I worked with the CRUDEM Foundation (Center for the Rural Development of Milot.) I’d heard good things about CRUDEM from a fellow PA who had recently returned from a similar trip. CRUDEM was responsible for building Sacred Heart Hospital, the only reliable medical facility for Milot’s 225,000 residents, many of whom live in abject conditions.
What did your day-to-day responsibilities include?
I was focused on wound care and pain management, and, as you can imagine, conditions were less than ideal. We were short on supplies and working out of tents on the grounds outside the hospital. Sacred Heart was built to accommodate 70 beds, and while I was there we were trying to treat upwards of 400 patients, many of whom were suffering from amputations and crush injuries. The training I’ve received at Capitol Spine has never been more valuable.
Did Capitol Spine & Pain Centers support your efforts?
Absolutely! When I announced my intentions, my peers and colleagues mobilized as well. The practice donated supplies, and my workmates gifted me their PTO time, so I could stay in Haiti for a longer period. Everyone rallied for me, which was energizing. Their support was very much appreciated.
Were there any moments while you were there that were particularly poignant?
To be honest, it was all poignant. What sticks with me most though, if I have to pick something, is the Haitian people’s sense of resiliency. They have an indomitable spirit. I remember one man in particular. Edelyn, an otherwise healthy 20-year-old man, had been pinned in rubble and had to have both legs amputated above the knee. I met him at Sacred Heart where he was going through physical rehabilitation, and learning to use a wheelchair. It was a constant struggle for him, and he fell repeatedly on the floor. But he never gave up. He’d lift himself up each time, and smile, and try again. At a time when he’d have every justifiable reason to curse the world, Edelyn smiled and kept a positive attitude. I’ll never forget him.