Our first Global Health Elective participants returned last week. Debriefing with them has been tremendous fun and it is evident that their experience was an overwhelming success; we are already planning the next elective for this coming Fall. Below are excerpts from Jon, Pam, and Dr. Kopman’s final days in India…
Wednesday, March 19th
Today we returned to SGRD hospital and started the day with oral board prep by the CA-3's. Jon and Pam were almost reduced to tears during conference, as the level of intensity of the pimping was so high. The unlucky presenting resident's day only got worse when she wet tapped her first case of the day. We've all been there... We saw a few more cases and of course had tea made by Auntie.Thursday, March 20th
Today, we got to do some firsts. Jon did his first ever axillary block using the "dancing needle" technique (which is about as fun as it sounds). Pam got to do some difficult intubations and start some lines and Kopman did his first thoracic epidural in years. After chai, Kopman led a case presentation and discussion on difficult airways. The post-graduates as well as several consultants attended and eagerly participated in the discussion. Tomorrow, Kopman will present a case report and lead a discussion on central venous catheters and their complications.
In the evening, while Kopman worked on his presentation, Pam and Jon attended the Waga Border ceremony, located at the border of India and Pakistan. We were witness to thousands of citizens from both countries displaying passionate nationalism, singing and dancing, while members of both nation’s armies marched, danced, and postured at each other.
Tonight, we pack for our departure for Delhi tomorrow. Sadly enough, this will be our last night in Amritsar-but we still have a trip to the Taj to look forward to!
Friday, March 21st
We headed to the OT for one last day with the SGRD team. Kopman gave a morning presentation on complications of central lines which was a hit. We even got him in a picture!
The day ended eventfully when a laryngeal mass biopsy failed extubation and the ENT team performed a seamless slash trach.
Saturday, March 22nd - Sunday, March 23rd
Jon and Pam couldn't return to the states without a visit to the Taj, so at 3:30am our alarms went off and at 4am we left for Agra. We were a little bleary eyed upon arrival, but the beauty of the Taj snapped us right awake.
