Keeping with a tradition started by Scott Nelson, we began our day with a morning meeting on the steps in front of the hospital. Our team leader (Papa John) reminded us of our goals and intentions; to practice medicine at the same standard as in the U.S., and to include the local Haitian staff in our day, teaching them as we go. We had a busy clinic today, evaluating roughly 25 people (primarily kids). Unfortunately, our team only being at HAH (Hospital Adventist de'Haiti) for a week, the doctors had to select who they deemed most fit to operate on. Hopefully, the orthopedic team coming next month will be able to take on the rest.
At the end of the clinic day, we saw the final five patients, all orphans, all with neglected clubfeet. Apparently there is some kind of Foot Patrol that rounds up kids every now and then to bring them to hospital for evaluation. All needed surgery badly, but unfortunately, all five had bloody diarrhea, probably amebic dysentary, and so none were scheduled for surgery this week. The Adventist hospital volunteer pediatrician, Dr. Audra Wise, wrote the kids prescriptions for medications for their diarrhea, and we made sure all five left with a hearty meal of rice and beans, a blanket from the ladies of W.E.L.C.A., and some toys and Burger King paper crowns.
In between clinic patients, our docs operated on six children. More to come tomorrow, when the clinic is closed but the O.R. will be in full swing. Its a balmy 95 degrees here by day, and a not too uncomfortable 75 degrees at night, often cooled off by tropical rains. The Haitian people are truly lovely, appreciative, and proud. We're all learning a lot, including some Creole, and enjoying our mission.
The blog's title "Lost in Translation" was inspired by our end of day trip to the bar down the street. A few of us sat downstairs drinking Prestige and juice, and began to question what the staircase in the corner would lead to. Maybe it was a disco? We could all use a 10 minute dance party. When we asked the bartender if there was a dance floor upstairs, he replied "hotel, hotel!" With his lack of English and ours Creole, we may never know what that dark stairwell leads to, but if we find out, I'll make sure to tell you!
See you when the internet connection is on my side,
BH
At the end of the clinic day, we saw the final five patients, all orphans, all with neglected clubfeet. Apparently there is some kind of Foot Patrol that rounds up kids every now and then to bring them to hospital for evaluation. All needed surgery badly, but unfortunately, all five had bloody diarrhea, probably amebic dysentary, and so none were scheduled for surgery this week. The Adventist hospital volunteer pediatrician, Dr. Audra Wise, wrote the kids prescriptions for medications for their diarrhea, and we made sure all five left with a hearty meal of rice and beans, a blanket from the ladies of W.E.L.C.A., and some toys and Burger King paper crowns.
In between clinic patients, our docs operated on six children. More to come tomorrow, when the clinic is closed but the O.R. will be in full swing. Its a balmy 95 degrees here by day, and a not too uncomfortable 75 degrees at night, often cooled off by tropical rains. The Haitian people are truly lovely, appreciative, and proud. We're all learning a lot, including some Creole, and enjoying our mission.
The blog's title "Lost in Translation" was inspired by our end of day trip to the bar down the street. A few of us sat downstairs drinking Prestige and juice, and began to question what the staircase in the corner would lead to. Maybe it was a disco? We could all use a 10 minute dance party. When we asked the bartender if there was a dance floor upstairs, he replied "hotel, hotel!" With his lack of English and ours Creole, we may never know what that dark stairwell leads to, but if we find out, I'll make sure to tell you!
See you when the internet connection is on my side,
BH
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| Waiting for hours to be seen |
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| ArtArthroClinic |
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| One of the orphans with clubfeet standing with Peggy |
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| Rose Mina, our patient of 3 years returns for another operation |
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| Gina teaching the nurses |
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