2019 Year End MEET Letter
To Our Dear Partners, Volunteers, and Supporters,
Throughout our global community many of you are celebrating holiday traditions this time of year. I wanted to take the time to send my annual end of the year letter to you all. As always I wish you a joyful season, and hope that you are looking forward to the new decade, 2020.
I send my heartfelt appreciation for the love and kindness that you extend to others throughout the year. Your contributions do not go without notice, and there are never enough opportunities to acknowledge each individual’s unique role in making an organization shine and remain relevant.
I have been grateful through our MEET organization to learn from so many of you who are serving not only your local communities, but have been willing to support, exchange knowledge and share best practices globally, and with our colleagues, students, patients and families we have come to know in Vietnam.
This year has been one of transition for MEET. After 5 years as MEET’s Board President it was time for me to pass the torch to another member of the team. Dr. Bob Bettis, MD, has graciously agreed to serve in this capacity. I am confident he will bring his own experiences and wisdom, to ensure MEET remains committed to the Mission and the valuable work we accomplish together with our partners in health care and community settings. As a Founding Member of this organization I intend to continue to support all of you who are advancing education and expertise in Medicine and Mental Health by remaining as a Project Leader and continuing to assist with this website.
The Spring 2019 trip was in April. There were many successes, and new opportunities for collaboration. The largest delegations were Mental Health (Psychiatry, Social Work, and Psychology), and the Nutrition/Dietitian delegation. (See updates related to trip under these discipline sections). Nursing, Midwifery, Gerontology, Dentistry professionals, and English teachers were also very busy. We worked closely together, resumed our established collaborations, began a few new projects, enjoyed social occasions, and lovely excursions throughout the week.
The MEET-UK team traveled to Can Tho in October 2019 with another large delegation. The pictures are fabulous, and I regret not being there to experience their success. I have heard wonderful reports from Vietnam and the UK. (See related article and pictures-Pediatric Surgery). The team operated on 48 children during the week, without complication. Our team left knowing they made a positive impact, and happy, grateful children and families. MEET-UK is such an incredible asset to MEET’s overall efforts in Can Tho. They bring health, healing and are Goodwill Ambassadors in a world that can very much benefit from these collaborations.
Additionally, in October two members of the SW delegation, who were visiting family in Vietnam, took time to visit with several of our partners in Can Tho who they will be collaborating with on the Spring trip. As designated Project Leader for Social Work, I am so grateful to Minh Ha Nguyen, MSW and Houng Hoang, MSW, and their representation of the SW team. They are inspired, thoughtful, and dedicated to working with our Vietnamese counterparts and bring with them many years of experience in community and mental health settings.(See related article and pictures coming soon).
The MEET Education Team left on December 4 for Vietnam. This was a very special trip to celebrate CTUMP’S 40th Anniversary and International Scientific Conference (the conference had 500-1000 people participated from many countries) Our team members assisted with the presentations and lectures on current research and knowledge on a variety of Medical and Pharmacy topics. MEET makes an important contribution as a global partner at CTUMP, and we hope to be partners in continuing to advance their reputation for excellence.
Our Spring MEET trip is the end of March this 2020, so just around the corner. I hope we can continue to count on the support and involvement of our stellar Volunteer teams, and our supporters, on this coming trip and in the years to come.
We appreciate our financial supporters no matter how big or small! In the past I have been unable to acknowledge a couple very generous donations, as people have wanted to remain anonymous, but I finally have an opportunity to make a special note this year, as we are grateful for the kind and very generous contribution from the Estate of Sandra Appell. Her gift was in line with her gracious treatment of others throughout her life, and leaving this legacy will be used for the benefit of others deserving of care as she would want. Each contributor to MEET allows professional teams to continue their projects and remain involved in an important cultural exchange. We invite others to join MEET professional teams, and support MEET’S Mission. Contact us anytime | Donate online anytime.
Best wishes for Peace, Health, and Happiness now and throughout the coming year!
Helen Sikov, MSW, LNHA
Past President MEET
Social Work Project Leader
