Project plan underway

OK, so as I type each of the tasks into the different tabs of the PP it's clear to me we've a lot to do. I've spent most of today exchanging emails with Patty about the clinic, her long term goals and how we can work together to achieve them. I am very excited about the future and can't wait to get there now. I have begun to prioritise the many tasks into essential, necessary and desired and formulate a list of things for me to complete during my first trip out. The main thing is that I'm motivated and determined to succeed - tick!

* Find out what equipment is already at the clinic and what's needed to get started (and what we can manage without in the short term).
* Find out what are the clinical dental priorities for the children.
* Understand a little about the organisational structure of the school.
* Find out more about the links between the school & local community, the dental provision already in place and the hospital in Phuket.
* Take out some basic supplies - examining gloves, masks, fluoride varnish, rubber cups (latchgrip), disclosing tablets, cold sterilising solution.
* Spend some time exploring the local area and amenities.

This trip is going to be mainly fact-finding and getting to grips with the ethos of the school and Thai culture - all exciting stuff. Hopefully there'll also be an opportunity for me to practice my Thai and meet some of the people working at the school.

I'm currently reading one of the books Pascale loaned me; Successful Living in Thailand by Roger Welty.
There are plenty of really useful anedotes and scenarios to help you understand the way Thais work socially and in business. I think I have the basics - don't step over anyone, don't show the soles of your feet and always always show respect.