Uganda Spine Mission November 2017 Day 3

​It’s day 3 at the Ministry of Science and Technology in Mbarara, Uganda and we are loving the totality of this journey and all it encompasses. Witnessing the dynamism of the family unit in this country is nothing less than remarkable as families maintain constant vigil for their loved ones and friends accompany each other to appointments not out of obligation but compassion. Despite the systemic challenges faced by local Ugandans in terms of maintaining their own medical records in a notebook or waiting an entire day to be seen by a physician, the spirit of the people remains resilient and hopeful. The opportunity we have been given to be of service is priceless and even though we are here to serve the physical needs of this population, I believe that the people of Uganda have left an indelible imprint on each of us.

​Day 3 began with early morning rotations on the ward as Dr. Perry, Dr. Barnard and Dr. Kisitu evaluated many neurosurgery patients who required their expert diagnostic ability.
The ward overflowed with patients, but each received exemplary care from this team of dedicated and attentive physicians.  Dr. Perry and Dr. Barnard had 6 cases in the OR but let me just say that none of it would have been possible without our amazing scrub tech Andrea Searcy and our extremely resourceful Medtronic rep Max Yue who prepped each OR tray, cleaned and sterilized every instrument after each case. This team came to Mbarara to make a difference in the lives of patients, so with one autoclave machine, minimal outlets in the OR, extremely limited supplies and unimaginable politics these two stellar individuals overcame all obstacles and forged ahead.
Amazing job Andrea and Max, the two of you rock every single day!

​The spotlight shines brightly on our physical therapist Pam who worked in conjunction with the local Mbarara physiotherapy team to assess and provide treatment plans for our post -surgical patients as well as non -surgical patients who would benefit from PT. Quick assessment can turn into treatment that can improve patients’ quality of life. The beauty of physiotherapy is you can make big changes with minimal equipment and a lot of creativity. Working in a room with a chair and a table, Pam was able to address faulty body mechanics and provide basic home programs to allow them to continue to feel relief after they left. Pam’s treatment style is energetic and resourceful, showing the patients that their concerns were of the utmost importance. Most patients left laughing and dancing, which is one of the best medicines. Patients traveled from as far as Tanzania to see the team and one session of therapy can mean the difference between continuing to work to provide for their families or not. For the patients that live closer, they will be able to continue with the wonderful therapists at the hospital in the outpatient program. Pam’s spirited personality was infectious, and the patients simply loved her. 

 While traveling we always anticipate meeting new and interesting people and I would be remised if I did not mention Dr. Adrienne Socci, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at Yale University.  Dr. Socci is currently on a reconnaissance mission at Mbarara hospital in anticipation of assembling her orthopedic team that would return to provide essential support and guidance to the staff here at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
                                                      
Dinner and reflection has become customary for our team at the end of the day, and according to Pam, “ Showing people that you care about their own unique circumstances is invaluable in helping them open up to you as a clinician and make positive change in their lives.” This seems to be a universal concept regardless of culture.