GeoTagged, [N18.04594, E76.78646]
Jamaica, February 2011. The team has been here since last Friday, I arrived Sunday morning and spent the first three days in the OR. We've done a total of 22 major cases (hysterectomies, oophorectomies, myomectomies, pelvic floor repair). Many of these women have waited over 2 years for their surgeries and as a result they have significant pathology. 14 cm fibroids, 24-28 week size uteri. No malignancies so far, thank goodness. The clinic team has been seeing 40-60 patients a day in our make shift clinics. No OB on this trip. Today and tomorrow is clinic only, then back to the states. During these trips we stay at a convent in Constant Spring, an area of Kingston heading up to the mountains. The rooms are clean and comfortable with ceiling fans that mimic hurricane winds. Hot showers later in the day, we prepare our breakfast and lunch in a small kitchen at the end of the hall. Dinner is usually brought in for us but Last night we had a real treat--Dr. O, an MFM from Miami took us to Devon House for dinner where we had Jamaican favorites such as curried chicken, and escovitch. Every time I've made this trip, the group has been so much fun to spend time with and get to know. So many interesting stories! The Milner family that has done missions in India and Alaska, Dr. O who has done City of Hope and worked with groups in Africa and Afghanistan, Pablo who works in environmental education, David who does locums on Indian reservations in the southwest US...all of them are such great and generous people, God bless them...
I am truly humbled and motivated to contribute more due to their selfless examples. And, as always, a trip to the third world makes me appreciate what I have in my world! A blessed day to everyone :-)
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