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After joining anti-government protests in 1988, and fleeing Burmese military rule a few short months later, Dr. Cynthia Maung
has lived in exile in the Thai border town of Mae Sot for 16 years. Founder of the Mae Tao Clinic in Tak Province, she organizes
medical services, counseling, and public health education for many thousands of fellow refugees and economic migrants.
While conditions may be primitive—with lightly covered tables often in lieu of beds—the Mae Tao Clinic, established in 1989,
has grown from its humble beginnings as a small house to a complex healthcare facility. Over the years, the inpatient ward
expanded to include a trauma unit, intensive care unit, eye clinic, prosthetics department, immunization clinic, inpatient
and outpatient reproductive health units, classrooms, and a pharmacy. Five physicians, 100 healthcare workers, 99 trainees,
and 40 support personnel welcome patients of all ethnicities and religions.
Escaping their homeland's ongoing human rights abuses and desperate economic conditions, a growing number of Burmese—now estimated
at 2 to 3 million—attempt to survive in camps across the border. According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the
lucky find relative safety in nine communities where the Thai government allows relief organizations, such as IRC Thailand,
to provide assistance and comprehensive primary healthcare.
Since reaching the Mae Tao Clinic, located about 4 kilometers from the border, can be a difficult journey for many, healthcare
workers have established smaller clinics inside Burma and along the border. Seventy Back Pack Health Workers Teams—many of
which have staff trained by Dr. Maung—bring healthcare and improved access to services to approximately 150,000 internally
displaced people in Karen State, Mon State, and Kayah area.
Patricia Gallinek, RN, is a registered nurse and freelance photojournalist based in Arlington, Virginia. In 1993, she was the recipient of the Elizabeth Lobkowicz Photography Award for Academic Honors in the Arts and Humanities, presented by the faculty and administrators of Mt.Vernon College in Washington, DC. Ms. Gallinek also received the Civil Forum Nepal's International Civil Golden Award 2005 for her outstanding contribution in the field of photography. Select images from additional collections may be viewed online in the Human Interest section of our website, HealthcareTraveler.com.
Articles by Patricia Gallinek
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What Do You Think?
How has the economy affected your flexibility in accepting contracts?
A. I have taken fewer contracts.
43%
B. I have taken contracts in less desirable locations.
