Our first day

Today was our first day at Katarrua (yes, Dr. Fannon, I probably spelled that wrong) Hospital. It was also the new interns's first day. In Namibia, internship is 2 year process and the interns spend a 4 month block on pediatrics. The new interns seemed a little shell shocked. I think that will change. After morning report, we went over to the hospital and did rounds. I am on 8B (which is below 2) and Stacey is with Dr. Kaya on 8A (2-13 years.) We saw some interesting cases. I saw marasmus, HIV causing FTT, yet to be diagnosed congenital heart lesion, a baby admited for cyanotic spells who is also albino, and a little girl with a GI bleed that they are considering CF in (more on that as it develops.) Stacey saw 2 cases of TB meningitis, HIV, DKA, and a 9 year old girl blind for no apparent reason who is awaiting a CT scan.

This first day was very eye opening. I can't begin to describe the differences between Namibian and US health care and practices. Lets just say that we are learning a ton and think this will be an awesome month. Right now we are both severely jet-lagged, so we are going to bed.

It's here!!

We made it!!

Well, we are officially in Africa!! Our flight was pretty good. The 15 hour one was very long! The flight from Johannesburg was only 2 hours long, but it took 3 attempts to successfully land. Apparently the tail winds were a problem. Unfortunately, none of our luggage made it to Windhoek with us. It is probably somewhere in Johannesburg. The lost baggage people said it might come later tonight on the next plane and they might deliver it. Here's hoping!! If we get our luggage today, we will be starting in the hospital tomorrow. We'll keep you updated.

Leavin' on a jet plane...

Well, we're all packed and ready to leave tomorrow!! Our flight departs JFK around 1130am, so we should arrive in Windhoek sometime Sunday morning. We'll post again once we land. Goodbye, everyone! We'll miss you!