Letter from the Board President
2017 was another phenomenal year for Medical Education Exchange Teams (MEET). Our CEO, Board of Directors, Volunteers, Partners in Vietnam, MEET-UK, University of Washington, and friends of MEET, must all be applauded for their generous contributions in time, willingness to share their professional expertise, and their surgical care and treatment of children who are among the less fortunate in the Mekong Delta. MEET continues to be a 100% Volunteer supported Organization.
In April and November of 2017, MEET, MEET-UK and UW brought a total of 127 Health Science professionals and Interpreters, to exchange and assist in developing medical education and skills in 20 different medical specialty areas, including Pediatric Surgery and Recovery. We have very engaged family members and colleagues who enjoy traveling along with us. A majority of our family and friends spend time teaching students conversational English skills, while some are Photographers and/or IT assistants. They have been very valuable participants this past year!
MEET’s Sponsor in Can Tho, Vietnam has been Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, since 2010. Their superb leadership and organizational skills have been key to the success of our trips, and has contributed to the high level of satisfaction for all involved. It is both important work we do together, as well as a truly enjoyable partnership. We continue to learn from each other, and have fun in the process.
Our team members are additionally grateful for the growing number of Directors and Leaders of Can Tho area hospitals and educational institutions who have become increasingly involved with MEET. This year our volunteer professionals worked at Can Tho Medical College, Can Tho University, the Oncology Hospital, the Psychiatry Hospital, the General-Central Hospital, the Rehabilitation Hospital, the Pediatric Hospital, the OB/GYN Hospital, the Center for Social Protection, as well as visiting several Social Service organizations, and Commune Clinics to learn better how MEET may be in a position to partner.
Our Webmaster was a stellar addition to our team this year! She advanced our ability to reach out and inform the rest of the world interested in positive global relations about what we do, and the difference that MEET is making currently, and in the past several years in Vietnam. As we have continued to grow, I have valued her experience and thoughtful advice. Like the rest of us, she has willingly volunteered her time for a wonderful cause.
This clearly has been the first year in MEET’s brief history as an organization that we have received significant monetary donations to continue our programs. I know I speak for our entire Boards of MEET and MEET-UK, in saying that we are all so incredibly grateful to our donors for their kind hearts, and for making a difference in the lives of so many in Vietnam. The generous donations we have received this year, including all of our Seattle’s Day of Caring participants, will significantly support our continued training efforts in Can Tho on future trips. With so many good causes, we appreciate all of you for choosing to donate to MEET. We will ensure that your resources are used to advance our stated mission, and the vision we have for a healthier future for those we serve.
In 2018 we intend to continue on this positive path. My hope, and I know that of many others, is to develop a Scholarship Program and have the resources for the development of educational projects that are sustainable through the coming years in our host countries.
We bring home incredible stories of hope for the future, and welcome those who wish to contribute to our endeavor, by becoming a volunteer, or donating to either the General Fund, or one of our specialty areas of medical care and education. As our reputation for quality teaching and service has grown we have much to celebrate! Best wishes for a New Year filled with Joy and Caring, locally and globally.
Helen Sikov, President
MEET Board of Directors
