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Although my first rotation in Tarija was not very exciting, it was counterbalanced by a very busy week of not only settling into my new home, but also volunteering for a few hours in the afternoons with an organization that helps children get their schoolwork done, and provides a safe place to play. The kids that come here, to Edyfu, are either from the poorest neighborhoods in the area, come from families where they are victims of sexual and physical abuse, or are struggling in school. We help with homework, play with them, and compensate for the lack of affection that they receive at home.
I figure that if anything, if my rotations were not fulfilling, the work with thee kids would be rewarding enough.
However, my second week's rotation turned out to be one of the best I have had in Bolivia yet.
I was assigned to an OB/GYN rotation in a rural clinic about a half hour from the city. When I arrived on my first day, I was directed to one of two ORs, where Dra. Yucra was performing a bloody procedure on a miserable patient, who had her legs spread open on the table. The doctor asked me to put gloves on and switch spots with her to finish the procedure myself!
I quickly learned that the young woman had had an incomplete miscarriage, and we were cleaning out what was left in her uterus. I was overwhelmed, but not enough to turn down doing the procedure myself with direction from the doctor.
When we were done, we went back to the gynecology consult room where I learned about the doctor and what she does. She told me that I would be doing as much as I was comfortable with, with her guidance and teaching. I absolutely did not object. She taught me how to do PAP smears, insert copper T contraceptives, and do prenatal exams. One of these exams was on a very pregnant 27-year-old, who turned out to be 4 cm dilated! The doctor rushed her to the delivery room, got her into a gown, and had her get onto the delivery table moments after her water broke. Next thing I knew I was standing next the girl, her hand gripping mine like her life depended on it, encouraging her to push and breath!
It was unbelievable.
I went back and forth between giving the girl directions and helping the doctor with whatever she needed. Within about two exhausting hours, a tiny, blue baby was in the doctor's arms. The pediatrician jumped in, cleaning the baby and helping him breathe. He started crying and I suddenly felt overwhelmed with excitement. The mother asked me how he was doing; to which I replied "he has ten tiny toes, ten tiny fingers, two little ears, a nose. He is perfect!" I got to bring the baby, all bundled up, for her to see. It was incredible to be part of this day for her.
I went home and fell asleep for a few hours.
The next day began with another 2 bloody procedures with which I got to help. Both of the women were septic, because the placenta had not been fully removed when giving birth, a few days earlier. That day I also placed a copper T, did a couple of PAP smears (which were awkward at first, but became less so as I did more), and performed a few prenatal exams. These were the most exciting because I was able to locate the baby's heartbeat for the mothers to hear. They were also the least invasive.
The following day, the doctor drove me and Carolyn (who was in pediatrics) to the clinic. When we were almost to San Lorenzo (the region where the clinic is), we got a road construction zone. Without hesitation, Dra. Yucra stuck her head out the window and started yelling, "I'm a doctor and I am running late to a very complicated delivery! Let me through!" Carolyn and I tried to keep our faces strait as we drove through the cones. We could not believe what had just happened, and as soon as we were through the doctor started cracking up!
That day I did a few more PAP smears and prenatal exams on my own, and did a variety of other check-ups. That is how it was for the rest of the week. I learned so much, and it was incredibly hands-on to say the least. The last day, while preparing for another incomplete miscarriage, I tried to help by opening the glass vials containing antibiotics, but they were tricky and the glass broke, slicing my thumb. My hand was bleeding profusely in the OR, and when the doctor asked me to put gloves on to come help, I just help up my injured thumb. Without hesitating, she said "you have another hand!" A nurse handed me some gauze, and I held it on while holding the patient's hand with my uninjured one for the remainder of the painful procedure. I was bummed that I hadn't gotten to help, but glad that I could still be a little useful.
I cannot believe how much I am allowed to do here, as a premedical student, and am never questioned by the doctors or patients. I am learning and experiencing things that I would hardly get to do even in medical school. It's exciting, and definitely fueling my drive and passion to become a doctor.
- comments
Em You amazing woman, you!
ELANA A-M-A-Z--I-N- G!!!! WALKING INTO IT WITH CONFIDENT, COMPASSION AND ENTHUSIASM. Y57OU HAVE ALREADY TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES. YOU ARE AMAZING LIGHT MY LOVE. KEEP FOLLOWING YOUR CALLING, MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. SO PROUD TO BE YOUR IMA
shocky You are unbelievable and such a bright light. Go gal!
Erica Goldman Fascinating, Shira. They are very fortunate to have you; kol hakavod for seizing this opportunity to volunteer.