SEA-HVO Traveling Fellowship Quotes
“Morning lectures consisted of a mixed audience of anesthesiologist and anesthesia nurses (similar to CRNAs in the United States), as well preoperative nursing staff” – Travis Reece-Nguyen, MD, MPH, 2017 “We felt extremely welcomed and appreciated by a team that was very familiar with HVO Volunteers. From airport pick-up to frequent meals, the team at HTO went above and beyond general hospitality and helped us feel like family.” "the experience exemplifies the importance of teaching anesthetic techniques vs. having US providers provide the care themselves on focused surgical trips. There definitely is a role for these focused trips, but after my experiences in Ethiopia I can confidently say that the SEA-HVO has developed a much more sustainable and far reaching approach. Even if I only changed how … one student practices anesthesia, the net effect is that I may have improved the care of the thousands of patients that he likely will take care of over the course of his career. Of course, we were teaching a class of 20 some odd students, so the actual number of patients that we as SEA-HVO volunteers may eventually impact is far far greater. This experience has definitely changed how I plan to pursue global health in the future and has impacted my life in more ways than I could describe.." "Relationships formed during the fellowship also led to the development of a resident exchange program between KUMC and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana, as well as the implementation of a regional anesthesia curriculum at KATH led by Hospital for Special Surgery in New York." "The month in Tanzania was a learning experience for me on several levels. It was a refresher in the basics of anesthesia and a great way to learn about agents that I have never or rarely used (ether, halothane, ketamine)...I was exposed everyday, both inside and out of the hospital, to a way of life that I had read about but couldn’t really imagine. Seeing the challenges faced by the people in Tanzania has given me an entirely new appreciation for life here that I probably could not have gained but for such an experience." -Cynthia Hines, MD (Tanzania) "The SEA-Katz Fellowship was the educational highlight of my residency. I...recently received...a brief note from one of the veteran Bugando nurse anesthetists. Her call for additional volunteers is compelling evidence that the HVO mission must continue and expand." "This past month has been an incredibly positive time in my life. It has been a time of reflection, personal education, teaching and excitement...All in all, this was a highly valuable experience for me." "Each morning at 7:30 there is a morning report in which the...students will present the cases of the day. You...talk about any pitfalls/concerns regarding the surgical procedure and patient co-morbidities that are relevant. This is teaching time...it does sharpen your skills as you prepare to be an attending yourself...my experience at BMC was invaluable to my life in general. I feel as if I was able to make a true contribution to the education of others and to do what physicians do...heal and serve." "The cultural, medical, religious, and social issues were so great that it was impossible to determine the best teaching methodology prior to visiting the site and experiencing some of these differences. Consequently, my time in Mwanza taught me much more than I was able to teach others, but I believe that I achieved my objectives, and I was sad to say good-bye to my students and the OR staff." "I commented on several items that could be improved upon at the hospital to make anesthesia practice safer and more efficient. Examples included the use of identity bracelets for the patient, and the availability of a difficult airway cart. Although each hospital had their own form of Grand Rounds, they did not have an active Morbidity and Mortality Conference that I expressed as immensely useful particularly for the residents. The food is fabulous in Peru, and if you are a little adventurous you will have an amazing culinary experience." "I owe much appreciation to...the many residents and anesthesiologists in Lima and Arequipa who welcomed me with open arms, shared their culture with me, and taught me at least as much as I taught them..." |
