The graduation ceremonies at the MediSend Biomedical Repair Training Center are always bittersweet affairs, but the end result is a saving of lives in far-ranging cultures and locations around the world. Twice a year, individuals from economically disadvantaged countries and regions are invited to the state-of-the-art biomed repair laboratory at MediSend near Dallas.

Through a program funded by the ExxonMobile Foundation, these students are trained in the professional skills required to troubleshoot, test, and repair sophisticated biomedical equipment. This is critically important because, while much of the biomed equipment traditionally donated to MediSend by hospitals, medical facilities, and manufacturers is useable, it is often in need of repair. Through this scholarship program, biomeds from countries such as Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea come to Dallas to participate in a six-month intensive program so they can repair these machines in the field.

In December, graduates from the Fall 2011 class included biomeds from Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea. Cynthia Obarisiagbon, from Nigeria, was the highest-ranking student ever to graduate from the MediSend program since its inception in 2006. Obarisiagbon blossomed in the encouraging environment of the MediSend program and assumed a leadership position. Her roommate, Felisa Nnang Nguema, of Equatorial Guinea, overcame her shyness to form strong friendships with the other students and they filled the graduation ceremonies in mid-December with tears of joy and sadness at separating company, according to MediSend.

Onda Kupri and Philip Kandaki, from Papua New Guinea, said they were extremely grateful at being invited into the program, and they know the technical knowledge they now take with them to their homeland, which has an extreme shortage of resources and professional skills, will be invaluable in the months and years ahead.

Highly demanding, the MediSend Biomedical Repair Training program has the students working hard together for months, with little free or leisure time. Every skill they can acquire during the program will save lives in their home countries.

A new group of technician trainees from Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Kazakhstan, and Peru will arrive at MediSend this month to begin a similar journey. MediSend has now trained 78 biomedical equipment technicians and has installed 78 biomedical equipment test and repair laboratories in 14 countries around the world.

 

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