Amélie and I have spent the day in the OR and as there is no functioning scavenging we are slightly anesthetized from breathing anesthetic gases. I have, once again, put in a plug for connecting the scavenging system. Today should have been straightforward, as the patients were healthy adults for minor surgery, but somehow everything becomes more complicated when there are strained resources. We did our best to teach around the issues that arose.
There are moments of delight and moments of frustration. We met a bright young medical student who was spot on in answering the questions we asked about anesthesia assessment. She was completely organized and systematic. It is a pleasure to see a new generation of engaged learners. Other moments are so sad, as the fragility of life is apparent. The experience in Rwanda is often one of great contrast - amazing natural beauty and gracious people contrasted with the harsh reality of disease and death.
Michelle is doing a phenomenal job teaching sterile technique and scrubbing to a group of 15 nurses. She and her colleague, Jocelyn, are offering a two week course in the simulation centre. All the nurses have the opportunity to immediately apply what they are learning by gowning, gloving and setting up surgical trays with good sterile technique. Infection is a big problem; we hope this course will be part of the solution.
Amélie and I are finding regular exercise at the Serena Hotel vital to keeping us calm and sane. Some days we sneak in a before work workout and after work swim. When we are not in the OR or exercising we spend a lot of time on preparing our teaching material for upcoming sessions. Our time here is going much too fast.
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| Michelle at Lake Kivu |
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| One of the cheerful waiters at Paradis Malahide |
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| beach at Paradis Malahide |
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| Medical student learning in the OR |
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