Good evening to all on this, our 6th day!
Hard to believe we are nearing the last day of clinics! Last night proved to be a nice cool night- even a bit chilly (Kez would be proud). Sleeping was good until our feathered friends awoke….as always. Again, I am beginning to become accustomed to the morning serenade but not so much that I will actually miss it. And last night I thought Blaud’s tonsils were regrowing, but in fact it turned out to be a young Whitehead…luckily he rolled and there was again peace in our little corner of the world.
Breakfast was again tasty and many of us departed for a bush clinic while Peter and Carey headed to the main clinic along with the Haitian doctors. We had a reasonably short ride to the small village of Berran where we treated the local population for a variety of maladies and I am continuing my advanced training in geriatric medicine. I treated a delightful 87 year old gentleman who was likely suffering from recurrent TIA’s. With confirmation from Kitty, my Gerontology preceptor, I treated him with low dose aspirin and a low dose of antihypertensive medication. I only hope he continues to live out his life with a good quality and can only hope I am in as good a shape if and when I reach his age.
After a bumpy ride out and back, many of us got to know each other a whole lot better. We rejoined the group to find the main clinic was a bit busier than previously, made all the more uncomfortable because the generator was not turned on until nearly 10 am on this the hottest day of the trip.
After another very tasty lunch we trooped down to clinic to collaborate and assist on treatment plans and prescription writing once lab results returned. Clinic officially ended at 4pm when Carey finished with yet another gentleman having prostate problems. Thank goodness we have meds for that.
Our afternoon excitement consisted of a trip in the now functional Land Cruiser, thanks to Caleb….and with Caleb at the wheel we bounced into the town of Bassin Bleu where we got a cold drink and walked into the little market so Blaud could purchase some fresh mangos for breakfast, something I will miss most in the states. After a bouncy ride past the Mayor’s palace and back home we got a tour of Blaud’s garden and orchard, then found a breezy, shady spot to relax behind our building. We had a tasty dinner prepared by Beth tonight and have spent the evening enjoying the cool breeze, which will hopefully persist through the night.
Tonight we will turn in knowing we have one last day of clinic, some in another village clinic and some here in Jolivert. Regardless of where, this will be our parting opportunity to serve these wonderful people. We continue to contemplate our future plans and needless to say there are now more questions than ever, but no matter what we will most certainly return.
As always, we hope to leave this place just a little better than we find it and ultimately hope to make an even larger impact. For now our focus is completing this mission and safely returning home to family. As always, thank you for your unending support. Will write again tomorrow.
Love to all,
The Team