Perhaps I have not written in the last 2 months because I have been affected by the numbing sensation of normality.
Like having to stop for herds of cows crossing the road…
Taking a ferry across Lake Victoria to visit my friends in “The City”…
Serious rainfall and vanishing roads…
A Single-Family Home…
Shopping at the Sunday Market…
Men in traditional Maasai dress…
Kids calling out “Mzungu” (European foreigner) “Piga Picha” (Take a Picture!)
So many kids. A majority likely under 1o years. I counted 155 on my 20 minute walk into town.
Twins…
Prematurity… We opened a NICU last month. Although kids less than 1000 grams still have a high mortality rate, the neonatal resuscitation course has likely saved many infants suffering from primary and secondary hypoxia shortly after birth.
Grown men playing checkers with bottle caps…
Live Chat through the Internet:- Live chat is a text communication facility and other help providing technique which is fruitful for those users who don’t have time to call or don’t want to stay on top and continue to do so, hence we are usa viagra no prescription introduced to new and amazing features every now and then. Over to You: Always be careful cost levitra low about your sexual health. If you have any medical history, consult your doctor generic cialis in australia about any other prescription medicines you may be on. So, the cost in viagra no prescription http://cute-n-tiny.com/cute-animals/top-10-cutest-axolotl-mudkip-pics/ the competitive production will be cheap.
Transportation not sport…May be strapped with 2-3 buckets of water, farming tools, a mattress, or a box of chickens
The view from my porch…
But there are many things that I hope will not become normal or routine.
Like The Fish in your Fish Soup…
The number of Tanzanians with monkeys as pets…
The number of term IUFDS…
The term O/S… “Doctor, it’s out of stock”…
Cold Showers. Power outages. No running water…
Hysterectomies for Uterine Rupture…
The Death Report discussed at the conclusion of our daily hospital wide Morning Report…
A nurse asking me to certify a death… in Children’s ward or a Medical ward …
And Health Care Disparity.
“[U.S. hospital] will ‘transform health care [ ] throughout the state with a $260 million enhancement project’.”
Will more spacious, private delivery rooms with flat screen smart televisions improve care? Or does the answer lie in the plans for a lobby gift shop? Or the calming aroma that will be blasted through the air vents in the waiting room? Or a wireless 4G network that will allow you to stream your birth experience on Facebook and YouTube and Twitter?
I work in a hospital that did close to 1,000 deliveries last month. Average 11 to 12,000 deliveries a year. There are typically 2-3 nurse midwives assigned to Labor and Delivery. They staff all normal spontaneous deliveries. There is a main delivery room with 8 beds, each separated by a blue striped curtain. There is a small cabinet with a stack of size 8 sterile gloves that is usually finished by the afternoon or not replenished until afternoon. A box or two of non-sterile gloves are usually present, but it’s not uncommon to spend minutes searching for gloves. Delivery kits are a luxury and typically consist of a kidney basin, 2 clamps, and a pair of scissors if you’re lucky. A majority of the time there is no instrument included in the set to cut the umbilical cord. One must remember to bring a clean razor blade and a plastic clamp for the newborn. Occasionally the box of blue plastic baby clamps is depleted. Carefully tie off the cord with string or the end of a glove and remember to replace it later. There are two available uterotonics. There is no blood bank. The anesthesiologists and I are the only specialists. Ultrasound is the most reliable imaging capability. I have a portable unit that I carry in a shoulder bag. There is no unit for dispensing ice water. There are no pillows. There are no sheets or chucks or blankets on labor ward. There is no such thing as excess or unlimited supply.
Reality.
God bless you for the aide you are giving. Remember, it’s the tough times through which we grow and I can only imagine this experience in building you up to be an incredible Dr, and person.
Happy Holidays
WOW! Thanks for sharing your journey and putting things into perspective!
Wow!! We take so much for granted. Our patients also (3-4 pillows), fresh water or food at the ring of a bell, privacy…
Thanks so much for what you’re doing and for sharing with us.
I love you! You are an inspiration!!! I know this journey you are on us not easy. God is smiling on you!
Shibohan you are an amazing young lady ..I know that God makes no mistake by having you there to help these people . I know your journey may be difficult but you will be rewarded .You are a excellent Doctor .God bless and keep you safe …
I’m very proud of your commitment, determination, and growth as a physician. The descriptions of your experiences are poetic-like. You are making a difference being there.
I concur with all the above comments. We take many things for granted. Continue with your humanitarian work. Are you still excepting donations, I know you did this prior to your departure. If so, remind were I can send a donation.