First Day on the Wards

The day began with Michael, Margaret, Lauren, Prosperity, and myself going for another run into the valley. We ran for about a mile before deciding to turn around due to the mist turning into heavy rain. We got back just before the downpour and ate a delicious breakfast (as per usual) before starting our first day in the wards. Louise had an early start as she met with the healthcare administrator and we all met for a brief church service at 8am followed by a security report, reports of the activities from the night, and we introduced ourselves to the nurses, pharmacists, dentist, doctors, students, and other staff who were in attendance. Jill and Michael were working in CTC (Care and Treatment Center) while Margaret and Prosperity had their work cut out for them in reproductive health and labor and delivery where they observed a baby being born. It wasn't anything new for Margaret who is a pro, but this was Prosperity's first experience with a vaginal delivery and she made it through without passing out!

Randy, Lauren, John, and I did inpatient rounds and boy, did I learn a lot in a short period of time! We saw a total of 29 patients in about 4.5 hours alongside the doctor, lead nurse, and student nurses. We practiced our Swahili along the way and the student nurses really tried to help us. They were so eager to learn which was incredibly inspiring. Everyone was extremely patient with us and I certainly have enough topics to review tonight before I go to bed. I will say, however, that one highlight from the day was listening to a gentleman who survived a crocodile attack after going to the river to get some water. The crocodile clamped onto the man's face, but he was able to escape with only two "minor" bite marks to the left side of his face. He had a wonderful sense of humor, especially when people were giving him a difficult time, telling him that the crocodile must've been pretty small.

In the afternoon we went over to Iringa to meet the engineering students from the University of Minnesota who are being taught by Jill's husband, Paul. Their projects were fascinating and it was great to see how engineering projects are so connected to public health and medicine. We got back to Ilula a bit late, but had a nice debrief on the bus and are ready to see what tomorrow has in store for us! Usiku mwema!