Arrival in Haiti
Arrived in Haiti with the rest of the surgical team. We have been traveling since from 5:40 am until arrival at 2:30p.
We were taken to the secured tent hospital where we found cots and unpacked our things. We attended an orientation meeting and were taken on a tour of the facilities. The pictures of the scenes on television do not do justice to the actual conditions that are present. Organized chaos best sums up what we are experiencing.
I am the only plastic surgeon in the hospital. We have 171 physicians, nurses and ancillary staff sleeping in a 5000sq/ft tent. No running water. OR’s consist of wooden tables with padding. Recovery area and patient beds are lined up in rows 20 deep.
The most amazing thing is the enthusiasm and spirt of the existing staff and patients. I have never experienced anything like it. Tomorrow we go to the OR to skin graft 2 patients.
Just landed in Haiti
February 28th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
You are my heroes!! There was no doubt in my mind that what you see there is far worse than any of us could have envisioned. I feel hopeful that so much has been accomplished there and will continue to be accomplished because of the incredible, selfless individuals like yourselves…and my brother is among you,of course. Tell Berky I love him!
February 28th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Hey Doc,
If you wouldn’t mind, and if no one at The Times has contacted you yet, I’d like to let The Times know that you’re down in Haiti. Don’t know if other NWI physicians have made the trip — just got back in the States myself. But this sounds like a story.
Anyway, if you prefer I do not, or would prefer to wait ’til you get back, let me know.
Personally, I think an interview while you’re still there would be great, if it’s possible, and if you have the time.
Mary Wilds
February 28th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Oops, my bad; just found the Times story. Should have known the paper was on top of this.
As I said in my earlier, I just got back in town and was on the IPS site doing research for my appt. tomorrow when I saw your post. FWIW, it’s great you guys are doing this.
Don’t know if the paper’ll be doing follow-ups while you’re down there; some free advice, if you all are on 12-hour shifts, trade off the “spokesperson” duties; you’ll get burned out otherwise.
Mary Wilds