by Aliraza Rajabali, MD-Y3, Mobile Clinic Club Secretary
13 March 2025

On Sunday, 9 March 2025, the Mobile Clinic organized an expedition to Ormideia Village. The day began with clear skies and sunshine, setting a positive tone for the work ahead.

Nineteen medical students participated in the expedition, providing blood pressure and glucose testing, ECGs, and BMI assessments to village residents at the local primary school. The initiative was overseen by Dr Panayiotis Avraamides, Clinical Professor of Cardiology, who consulted with all 36 patients seen that day.

The response from patients was positive. Their smiles and words of appreciation reflected their satisfaction with the care they received and their interactions with the Medical School’s staff and students.

For the participating students, the experience was valuable. It provided practical hands-on exposure to clinical assessments while strengthening their communication skills. After the expedition, Prof Avraamides emphasized the importance of stepping into the patient’s environment, reducing the traditional distance between physician and patient to foster better understanding of their needs and experiences.

 

‘Taking part in the Mobile Clinic expedition in Ormideia was an important opportunity for me to challenge myself and improve my communication and clinical skills. Gaining experience in conducting clinical assessments is essential in our medical careers. This expedition fostered trust and created a safe environment for the team and our patients. Exploring Cyprus while providing care to residents of rural communities and communicating with them is rewarding; after all, practice makes perfect’!

Maria Gounari,
MD Class of 2027

‘I had a great experience at the Mobile Clinic in Ormideia, where I performed ECGs, BP, glucose, and BMI checks. These screenings are essential for detecting conditions like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease—issues that often go unnoticed until they cause complications. Bringing healthcare to communities with limited access helps with early detection, better management, and prevention. It was rewarding to help and see how much people appreciated it’!

Sofiya Goldberg
MD Class of 2027

Following the expedition, the medical staff and students were treated to lunch provided by the local council, fostering a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment. To end the day, they enjoyed a tour of Ormideia village and its coastal regions—a well-deserved conclusion to a productive day of service.