OBGYN and Public health

Hello readers! I know I haven't posted anything for a while, it's mostly because I have been very busy in January. I was in the "bloody business" floor at the Hospital. Yes, OBGYN! One of the toughest service ever. The schedule, the tasks, the residents, the patients, the nurses... it seems like everything there was setup in a way to make me and the other interns spend the worst month of internship so far. But I understand why it has to be that way; we were taking care of two patients at a time, the mother and the fetus. I had to monitor many of them throughout the month, deliver many cute babies as well! I was happy, I was doing something big. 

On the other hand I was complaining a lot; not enough sleep time, I did not eat well, I was always tired, I lost weight. I have been counting down the days since January 1st, the day I started. When February 1st came, it was about time! I was so happy to leave that floor and never come back (unless I specialize in OBGYN). I learned a lot of things there and I do not think it was a sort of punishment. Discipline is a must in Medicine, and when it comes to the life of a pregnant women with 2 fetuses and high blood pressure, a constant presence is required.

February 4th, I went to the HQ of Zanmi Lasante, a NGO working in Hinche, Mirbalais, Saint-Marc and so on. We spent 3 days there receiving prerequisites for our next step: Public Health. The same week we left Port-au-Prince, spent two hours and a half driving to the Center Department of Haïti. We stopped for a couple of hours in Cange then hit the road to Hinche, our destination. We spent about 3 weeks there, learning a lot about medicine in the countryside, people's perception of disease, their beliefs and their innocence. We were introduced to scientific research, community diagnosis, among other subjects. After many months spent inside of a Hospital it was exciting to be out all day long, visiting some nice spots in the area, breathing some fresh air, hiking. Honestly, I wish I could spend the remaining months of internship the same way I spent this actual month. 

I was overwhelmed by the beauty of rural Haïti, where people still live as simple farmer, eating his own production. Large pieces of land with trees, cows, goats, horses... All of these things made me realize that Haïti is really a virgin island. Yes, I said virgin. Port-au-Prince is not Haïti, just a part of it. Do not listen to what other people are saying about it. Come and discover it by yourself. A few pictures of where I have been and what I saw on my journey in Plateau Central, Haïti.

A typical house in rural Haïti. It may vary from a town to another but the shape remain the same

This place is called "Saut d'Eau", which means waterfall in english and I guess you know why!

This is "Bassin Zim"

This is a cave by Bassin Zim, a natural maze!

The main waterfall of Saut d'Eau

I guess you understand now why I would spend the rest of my internship doing public health only! I enjoyed my trip to Hinche. Hopefully I will visit some other places this year...

An overview of my first month as an intern

My first month at the Public University of Haïti's Hospital, also known as General Hospital was not easy. After a week at the Dermatology department, I have learned how everything works there and even started with some minor surgery procedures! It was great, I enjoyed that. But starting November 12 I was going to live in an atmosphere of chaos and disorders. Tire burning, gunshots, tear gas, demolishing cars, riots, all around the Hospital. I thought I'd be safe but I was disappointed when 4 or 5 tear gas grenades were thrown too close and finally felt inside. Patients run (those who could), doctors run, our noses and eyes will never forget that burning sensation... Thanks to God we were safe. Many of my friends have been praying for that and He answered positively. "He will never leave us nor forsake us" (Joshua 1:5 ; Hebrew 13:5).

 Everything went back to normal after a few days. Consults, minor surgery, patients monitoring, wounds care, skin ulcers, lab tests and much more became my daily activities. We had a presentation about albinism this week and we take our exam. I bought my camera the last day and took a very few shots of my patients and co-workers (doctors only cause I couldn't find the nurses).

This 13 months old child have erysipelas ( a sort of skin infection caused by a bacteria). He's recovering very well, the smile on his face confirms that.

This is Dalandy (left) and Dominique (right). Both doctors.

This is it for today! I will not post as often as I planned to but I will do as often as I CAN. Doctors are busy all the time, especially when you are an intern!

Intro

Hi everyone!
My name is Valery Pierre Louis. I'm a med student living in Haïti, W.I. I'm also a music lover, piano player, guitar enthusiast and a professional photographer-to-be! I was born and raised in a christian family so I love God and I'm following the path in which I grew up (Prov 22:6). As Rhodena (a sweet lady, mother, wife that I have met many years ago) suggested me to write a blog about my year of internship in Haïti because I do not only write in English on one of my social network page, I will try to do my best as a blogger. That way, she will be able to sneak-peak into my intern life. Not only her, but anyone else interested. My English may be a little awkward by times (it's not my first either my second language) but most of the time I will share my thoughts and my journey at the hospital as clearly and simple as possible. I hope you will enjoy my blog and leave many comments (who knows, I might write the next best-seller book from it!).