Another day has come to a close in Haiti. Today was a good day. We had several happy endings today, namely two small girls who we have been treating over the course of the last week were able to heal their infected wounds and are now in the process of returning home. They are currently living with a local pastor and his wife. Additionally we had x-ray up and running all day today and were able to visualize many of the fractures which we had previously simply been able to diagnosis only clinically.
In the wake of such a disaster I think it is natural to wonder whether we have made any significant difference in the course of our time in Haiti. However, today we have had an opportunity (with a slightly decreased OR schedule) to ponder some of the events over the past week and to reflect on some of the successes that we have had:
- Beginning with our arrival to Haiti we were able to help set up two OR’s at the General Hospital which I think certainly has benefited the Haitian people.
- On our arrival to the Double Harvest ranch and joining Greg, certainly we have had the opportunity to share in his experience and to bring a level of care to patients, which I think is quite remarkable given the circumstances here in Haiti.
- We have been able to become more familiar with the follow up course of infections and have now developed antibiotic regimens which seem to be working more effectively.
- Once again we are now utilizing radiographs to help diagnose and ultimately help treat fractures in the local population.
As our stay comes to a close we certainly hope that we have delivered some degree of hope and healing to our patients in Haiti. Certainly I think I can speak for both myself and Dr. Bielema as well as Matt Weigle that this experienced has certainly left us a changed people and certainly appreciate all the blessings that we have at home. So for another warm and beautiful night in Haiti we sign off and look forward to seeing everyone home in the near future.
James R. Ringler, M.D.
