A New Doctor in Haiti
Meet Dr. Christelle Mathurian, the new Generalist Practitioner spearheading Community Empowerment’s work in Haiti. Prior to joining our team, Dr. Christelle spent four years working at the Hospital de Fermathe in Port-au-Prince. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she supervised a vaccination site and volunteered for mobile clinics. We asked Dr. Christelle a few questions about her practice and hopes for the future as she settles into her new role.
Why did you decide to specialize in primary care?
In Haiti, after completing medical school, we all graduate as General Practitioners. I chose to stay in primary care because it allows me to make a meaningful, long-term impact on my patients’ lives. I really enjoy the ability to care for individuals throughout their entire life journey, providing preventive care that can help people live healthier lives. Moreover, primary care is at the art of community health. Being a GP means that I can contribute directly to the overall well-being of the population, which, especially in Haiti, is going through tragic times and where first-line care is limited.
What motivates you in your work?
The ability to make a direct and meaningful impact on my patients’ lives. Knowing that I can help improve someone’s health and prevent future health issues is incredibly fulfilling. I’m also motivated by the opportunity to build lasting relationships with my patients, gaining their trust. In Haiti, where healthcare access can be limited, the chance to provide essential care and contribute to my community’s well-being is a powerful driving force for me.
What are your goals for the next year?
I aim to deepen my connection with the community by providing more preventive care and education. Additionally, I hope to work with local healthcare teams to improve access to care, especially in underserved areas, creating a healthier and more informed community.
What are some of the obstacles that you are faced with? How are you working through them?
One of the main obstacles that I face is limited access to resources and healthcare services. It makes it difficult to provide the level of care I'd like to offer. To work through this, I focus on prioritizing preventive care and educating patients on managing their health with what we have.
Which resources are difficult to obtain?
There are several resources that are often difficult to obtain: medical supplies and equipment - basic medical supplies like bandages and diagnostic tools can be limited. Due to the closure of the Port-au-Prince airport and the port, it has become even harder for essential medications to enter the country. The lack of access to these necessary supplies impacts not only the treatment but also the ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
What types of patients are you seeing?
As a GP, I see a wide variety of patients. I treat individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly and address a broad range of health concerns. Common conditions include digestive issues, respiratory infections, injuries, and chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes. Given the context in Haiti, I also see many patients with conditions related to limited access to healthcare, such as dehydration, malnutrition and infections that are harder to treat due to a lack of resources.
Do any patient cases stick out to you?
There are so many cases, but one of them sticks out to me. A patient from Sibert came to us with her three-year-old daughter. The little girl had a fever, severe dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea for three days. They live relatively close to the center, but due to a lack of money, they couldn’t afford to go to the hospital. We provided initial treatment, by rehydration, but when we tried to refer her, they were unable to follow up. Unfortunately, the center is not a hospitalization facility, so we couldn’t keep her overnight. We had to extend the rehydration and try to facilitate a transfer to a more affordable facility. However, the mother chose to leave with the child against our advice and we haven’t seen them since.
Is there a plan to increase the number of returning patients?
To increase the percentage of returning patients, I plan to organize training sessions for patients and staff about managing chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and others. I also aim to organize mobile clinics to reach underserved areas and provide more accessible care. I hope to increase patient retention and encourage regular visits for ongoing care.
Thank you for giving us a window into your work.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the community for this opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences. It is truly an honor to contribute with you. Thank you for your support and for giving me the chance to be part of this.