We apologize for the delay in blogging, we haven't had steady internet access yet... We're equally as surprised as you are!
The past three days have been very eventful! First off, if you haven't already heard, our 9pm flight was cancelled and rescheduled for a midnight departure. We finally arrived at our host families homes at 5am on Sunday, and despite our exhaustion, were up for a 7:30am orientation around Santo Domingo.
The orientation included a tour of the historical building and ruins of the nation's capital, contrasting the current and more modern vendor fair. Despues, we had our first lunch (of many) which consisted of rice, beans and chicken. It was by far the best chicken we have ever tasted! After the tour, we met Dr. Bean, our medical director for our time in Santo Domingo. Additionally, we met our group leader and director, Severino, who has worked extensively with medical students and professionals in the area.
Monday included shadowing at the Pediatric and Maternal Health Hospital. We were toured around the hospital by Maria, an administrator of the facility. Four years ago, there was an addition to the hospital allowing more patients to be seen on a regular basis. The new and old parts of the hospital are mirror images to each other. In total, the hospital hosts 1075 medical professionals. Our first impressions were that the hospital was very understaffed and resources were minimal, but nonetheless the individuals working there were incredibly caring towards the patients and it was evident that the care provided was of great efficacy.
We saw three major units: the pediatric ER, neo-natal intensive care unit and the OB/GYN ward. The pediatric ER included a triage center for patients, oral hydration room, respiratory care unit and an emergency inpatient area. In the neo-natal intensive care unit, there were 4 nurses in charge of two rooms of neo-nates and pre-mature neo-nates. Additionally, in the OB/GYN ward, there was an OR section entailing 4 operating rooms for Cesarian sections and four natural birth chairs. There was a neo-natal care unit in the OB/GYN ward, as well as a recovery ward and a still-birthing consultation area.
In order to provide better triaging and patient care in La Piedra, we needed to pick up some stethoscopes and BP cuffs. After buying these supplies, Dr. Bean discussed what to look for in respiration quality and heartbeat quality, as well as detailed how to take blood pressure.
Today, we went back to the hospital and continued to shadow in the areas discussed earlier. In the pediatric care unit, we saw many children come in and out. Many cases were regarding bacterial infections and massive dehydration. In the OB/GYN unit we shadowed surgeons, OB doctors and anesthesiologists who were preforming many C-sections. We saw around 5 surgeries in the 3 hours that we were there!
The next few days, we will be traveling to the community of La Piedra to provide general care in a more rural setting. During the weekend we will be traveling to Semana for some tourist activities and fun!! We will keep you updated on our travels, although we may not have wifi tomorrow or Thursday in La Piedra.
Thanks for reading!
Colin & Nick
No comments:
Post a Comment