For Dr. Aaron Steimel, a physician from the United States, volunteering with The Green Lion in the Philippines was a chance to practice medicine in a completely different environment. In the small village of Tigman, he encountered medical conditions that were rare back home — Dengue fever, malaria, and tuberculosis. But what he discovered went far beyond treating illnesses.

“Many of the patients here cannot afford healthcare and only seek help when they truly need it,” Aaron shared. “I have seen some elders here who have never had blood work done. This is different than what I am used to. Back home, we typically have annual bloodwork, if not more frequent intervals.”

At the village clinic, Aaron faced the challenge of working with limited resources. With only three antibiotics — amoxicillin, cephalexin, and doxycycline — he had to dig deeper into patient history and rely on physical exams to make diagnoses.

“I did not readily have access to previous blood work or diagnostics. I had to prescribe a medication that could treat multiple conditions,” he explained.

A common complaint Aaron heard during house visits was dizziness. Back home, this would warrant extensive testing — CT scans, MRIs, and lab work. But in Tigman, the only CT scan machine was hours away in Puerto Princesa, and most people couldn’t afford it.

“We have to consider that it’s most likely from dehydration due to the heat. Then I encourage the patient to increase fluids and hope they are not having a stroke,” he said.

Aaron also encountered heartbreaking cases that left a lasting impact. A middle-aged woman had developed a brain tumor that compressed nerve pathways, causing her to lose her sight and hearing. The family was told that surgery in Manila might help, but it would cost a million pesos — an impossible amount for them.

“They were told it was a 50% chance of a cure, and they elected not to have the procedure,” Aaron said.

Despite the hardships, Aaron was amazed by the strength and generosity of the community. When a baby suffered severe burns, neighbors came together to donate what they could so the family could afford treatment.

“The community provided the family with donations so that the baby could get the care she needed. She was discharged from the hospital and is doing well,” Aaron shared.

For Aaron, the experience was a powerful reminder of what it means to truly care for people. It wasn’t just about medicine; it was about connection and compassion. The people of Tigman, even in the face of adversity, continued to smile and support one another.

“Walking around the village has put into perspective how people live here. Many are farmers and grow their own food. Regardless, they are always smiling and seem happy,” he said.

Aaron expressed his gratitude to The Green Lion’s healthcare team — Glory, MJ, and April — who made his experience memorable.

“The people here have been very appreciative of our care and have smiled through even their most difficult ailments,” Aaron said.

Aaron left Tigman with a new view of what it means to be a doctor and a deeper respect for the strength of the people there. He didn’t just teach — he also learned important lessons about kindness, courage, and the power of community.

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