6/28/2012
What a week it’s been.
Over the last two days, the group has been on double duty – staffing
both clinics and a health care symposium organized by Dr. Morales, the local
physician who has been instrumental to our success. Speaking on a variety of topics as requested,
the symposium attracted health care workers from mountain villages, physicians
and medical students, and physical therapists all the way from Cusco (more than
an hour’s taxi ride from Pisac, where the symposium was held.) We covered several obstetrics and pediatric
topics, nutrition, hygiene, and exercises to relieve back pain. Clark even brought props, and some of the
health care workers were able to practice their CPR skills.
During the lunch break, I spoke with a medical student who
was eager to know about PDA (patent ductus arterious) management in the United
States. (A PDA is a normal part of fetal
circulation and closes within 2-3 days after birth.) As we conversed, I learned that in the higher
altitudes of Peru, PDA closure is delayed till up to 21 days after birth due to
the decreased oxygen in the air at higher altitudes! In the end, I learned more from him than he
did from me, and these types of exchanges of knowledge make international healthcare
absolutely fascinating to me.
Those of us who participated in the symposium agreed that
the best part for us was watching Dr. Morales show the attendees the supplies
we were able to provide for local clinics.
He was simply beaming at his new acquisitions, including nebulizer
masks, electric thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, pediatric bag valve masks,
and more. Our next goal is to help bring
an x-ray machine to the Pisac clinic.
With the nearest one currently all the way in Cusco, this would be an
important addition the healthcare system in this region. Who’s up for the challenge??
In the meantime, those not speaking at the symposium fielded
two very busy clinic days! Yesterday, we
were at a local school and saw about 130 patients, mostly children. And today, a last minute schedule change
resulted in the group opening clinic in the city center of Urubamba. Even with these unforeseen circumstances, we
were able to see 160 patients today. The
student leaders have done an absolutely phenomenal job in keeping us organized,
and that was never more evident than today.
Erica and Lisa seeing patients
Tomorrow marks the last day of clinic for this year. It’s been an amazing experience for all those
involved and we look forward to returning next year.
Rachna May, MD – CCF Pediatrics
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