from start to finish.

"Please take off your shoes or wipe your feet before you enter the hospital." -imaginary sign at the back and front entrances of the hospital.

It is not unusual to see bare feet throughout the halls of the hospital as most of the patients & visitors take their shoes off at the entrance. Staff customary leave their shoes on, but most of them wear sandals. I love Thailand.


Today was a very exciting day in the OPD. I believe Jess & I admitted close to 75% of the patients we saw in the outpatient department. From acute hepatitis, possible relapsed TB, bacterial meningitis to appendicitis! I must admit, that it is very satisfying to sit down with a patient and gather their history and complete the physical exam, make my diagnosis of acute appendicitis, and then assist in the operating room a few hours later when it is removed. It is incredible to see how much Dr. Phil is capable of doing. In the states, you would typically need at least three or four MDs to complete this process (ie ER doc, radiologist, anesthesiologist, surgeon). During our time here, we have seen Dr. Phil perform a c-section, pull teeth, lumbar punctures, and repair an incarcerated inguinal hernia. As we were prepping for surgery today, the electricity in the hospital went out. This has only occurred a few times since we've arrived and it usually returns in a matter of minutes. The patient had already received spinal anesthesia and we had already scrubbed so we proceeded in hopes that the electricity would return shortly. Very surreal to watch Dr. Phil make the incision and dissect through the different muscle layers with someone holding a flashlight to provide extra lighting. Half-way through the procedure, the electricity came back on and we were able to have much better lighting, suction, and air-conditioning (you would not believe how warm it was getting under the cloth gowns and mask). Tomorrow, during rounds we will check to see how our patient is doing post-appendectomy. Hopefully he is much more comfortable than today.


In solidarity with the many women around the world that must carry their water, Jess & I bought a large container of water across the road from the hospital. It took us at least 10 minutes to convince the sweet lady (without speaking the same language) that we would be able to carry it home. We are so thankful that we only need this water to drink and not for washing or bathing.






And last, but not least, our fresh laundry waiting for us when we return from the hospital. Sadly, Jess may be allergic to the soap as she has developed a mean itchy rash on the back of her knees. I sure hope this doesn't mean she has to start doing her own laundry. :)