Posted July 12, 2012
Haitian physician Dr. Bendson Louima visited the School of Social Work on Thursday to share some of his experiences with students and reconnect with some old friends--Dr. Ed Risler and Dr. Larry Nackerud. Dr. Louima first met Dr. Risler and Dr. Nackerud through their work at a volunteer health clinic in Terrier Rouge, Haiti.
The clinic launched four years ago as part of a community development project Dr. Risler and Dr. Nackerud were involved in during several recent visits to Haiti.
"A few years ago, we were all working at this clinic in Terrier Rouge," said Dr. Risler. "The clinic relied on volunteers and Dr. Louima was volunteering there while completing his his residency requirement."
Over the years the trio have forged a bond and routinely keep in contact with each other.
"July is my vacation month, so I came to spend it with friends," Dr. Louima said.
While in Athens, Dr. Louima, spoke to some of Dr. Nackerud's students as well as touring St. Mary's Hospital with Dr. Risler and Dr. Brian Buck, a colleague from the UGA School of Pharmacy.
Dr. Louima, who still has two years remaining on his requirements will specialize in general surgery. He is currently a surgical resident at a hospital in Cap Haitien.
