Tristan had to hit the little button

Yesterday was a lively academic day full of excellent discussion and participation.  It's amazing that the residents can keep engaged and curious for a full day in this heat.  I've attended the first year class and Tristan has been with the seniors. The first year class is very impressive: well prepared for sessions, keen to answer and ready for challenges.

In the afternoon we ran though three scenario with debriefing. Tristan is getting quite skilled at manipulating the vital signs so the learners see and hear the changing patient parameters.  The new speakers allow the pulse oximetry beat and changing tone to be clearly audible. Following the sim scenarios, we had journal club with two residents each taking the lead on presenting a paper.  This was around 5:00 PM and the group jumped in when the presenter overlooked a key section. "You didn't discuss the results".  So conscientious.

Towards the end, we have a visit from the new Principle of the College and Medicine and Health Sciences (Professor Jeanine Condo).  She is a lovely lady and clearly committed to academic excellence. She heard the tail end of journal club, and promised to return next time. 

Then we showed her a simulated scenario of routine anesthesia induction for a 7 year old child for ORIF radial fracture.  Tristan pulled out all the stops and gave anaphylaxis post induction.  The residents recognized it and managed it capably.  Then the temptation overcame him and he had to press the v. fib button. Sure enough the residents recognized, began chest compressions and even shocked the patient with small portable defibrillator. With their good care, our simulated patient recovered. The Principle was most impressed with the capacity of the sim centre and quality of the residents.

We finished off a full day with dinner at Heaven Restaurant with Francoise.  

We are now waiting to be picked up to go to Butare.  Previous volunteers will know, this can be a long wait.

Anesthesia residents, staff and the Principle of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.