After six weeks here in Kampala, today was officially my last day at the hospital. While my time here has been difficult and emotionally draining, it has also been incredibly rewarding. I have been working in the ACU (Acute Care Unit) for the past two weeks, where the children are incredibly ill.
It has been difficult to manage many of the children, and they don't all have good outcomes. I would find myself exhausted (physically and emotionally) during the day, but then would ask myself "If I weren't here caring for this child, who would?" The answer was usually no one. So at least I feel like I was making a difference.
And many of the kids did have good outcomes, like this patient I saw on my way in to work this morning. She was very sick yesterday, with breathing problems and very high fever. She needed lots of breathing treatments yesterday and oxygen support. Today she looked great, had no more fevers, was off oxygen, and was going home. I like to think I helped her get home in some small way...
My experiences here at Mulago Hospital (both good and bad) have had a large impact on me and have definitely changed me for the better.
It has been difficult, but I'm glad that I came. I am ready to go home (or, in my case, ready for vacation), but honestly feel that I would like to come back here in the near future. There are changes that need to be made here, but there is a great opportunity for growth, teaching, and learning.
As a celebration of my last night here, we all (except Amy, she wasn't feeling well...) went out for Ethiopian food for dinner. It was delicious. And of course, this was paired with the requisite Ugandan beer!
Now it's off for a two-week safari adventure in Kenya and Tanzania with Mike. It should be a great way to unwind from my time here. We will try to blog about our adventures while we are there, but are unsure of internet access. I'm excited for a great trip!
It has been difficult to manage many of the children, and they don't all have good outcomes. I would find myself exhausted (physically and emotionally) during the day, but then would ask myself "If I weren't here caring for this child, who would?" The answer was usually no one. So at least I feel like I was making a difference.
And many of the kids did have good outcomes, like this patient I saw on my way in to work this morning. She was very sick yesterday, with breathing problems and very high fever. She needed lots of breathing treatments yesterday and oxygen support. Today she looked great, had no more fevers, was off oxygen, and was going home. I like to think I helped her get home in some small way...
My experiences here at Mulago Hospital (both good and bad) have had a large impact on me and have definitely changed me for the better.
It has been difficult, but I'm glad that I came. I am ready to go home (or, in my case, ready for vacation), but honestly feel that I would like to come back here in the near future. There are changes that need to be made here, but there is a great opportunity for growth, teaching, and learning.
As a celebration of my last night here, we all (except Amy, she wasn't feeling well...) went out for Ethiopian food for dinner. It was delicious. And of course, this was paired with the requisite Ugandan beer!
Now it's off for a two-week safari adventure in Kenya and Tanzania with Mike. It should be a great way to unwind from my time here. We will try to blog about our adventures while we are there, but are unsure of internet access. I'm excited for a great trip!
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