You don’t often hear of physicians making house calls—but in Ukraine, where many patients cannot travel to clinics, Global Care Force volunteers go the extra mile. During a recent mission in the Mykolaiv region, our team made five home visits, providing critical care to patients unable to reach the Mobile Medical Clinics.

Volunteers James Marcum and Mishel Muzychuk, both physician assistants, visited a woman with a recent arm fracture. The injury had become swollen and painful, making everyday tasks impossible. Using our wound care kit and her previous plaster cast, James and Mishel applied a new bandage and prescribed pain medication, restoring comfort and mobility.

The next day, volunteer Bob Downs, PA, and his translator Andry made two home visits. The first patient was a woman suffering from congestive heart failure with severe ankle swelling and limited mobility. Bob prescribed treatment aimed at easing her symptoms and improving her quality of life. Later, an urgent call brought the team to a young man experiencing vertigo, fatigue, and nausea. Concerned about potential gastrointestinal bleeding, Bob examined him at home and prescribed a mild antispasmodic. Fortunately, the visit confirmed no emergency, giving the family peace of mind.

On an earlier team, Physician Assistant Margaret Heller and translator Vova, conducted two more home visits that day. They treated a man experiencing a severe gout attack despite previous medications and injections, adjusting his treatment plan to provide relief. They also cared for a woman with chronic blood vessel disorders and a long-standing ankle wound. Margaret assessed the injury, guided the family on proper wound care, and prescribed antibacterial treatment to prevent further complications.

These home visits demonstrate how Global Care Force volunteers adapt to meet patients where they are, ensuring access to life-changing care—even in the most challenging circumstances.