deerich

I'm officially back in the States. Actually, it was a pretty quick transition back to work.I'm sitting in the NICU on call as I type. The babies are chilling. While I am glad to be home, I most definitely could use a bit more vacation. The trip went by so quickly. I had such good intentions to chronicle all the details, but as you all experienced that didn't work out. My internet access was pretty limited once things got going for me in Malawi. Then we were constantly on the move in Kenya, so blogging was out of the question. Despite falling off the blog wagon, I still have a lot to share. Thankfully, I'll have some down time coming up over the holidays. I'll be heading home to Cali to hang with the fam, and ... read more

So Friday comes and I have no idea what to do for the weekend. The clinic will be closed, so there is no need to get up early for work. As I am talking to one of the Baylor doc's about a patient, she stops in the middle of everything and invites me to come with them to Lake Malawi. The lake is one of the major tourist attractions in the country. Needless to say, I am excited about the invitation. Lake Malawi was definitely on the list of places to see while I'm here. The water is supposed to be beautiful. We finish up at clinic by 4pm, and I try to hunt down someone to take me home. The public transportation system consist of a minibus system. I have yet to master it since ... read more

My first day at the clinic has come and gone. The dichotomy here is so deep. The clinic is part of an outreach project funded by multiple sources and primarily staffed by US doctors. You should check out the website www.bayloraids.org for more details on what they are doing around the world. This clinic is better equiped than the clinic I work in back in Atlanta. Each exam room has a computer on which the docs can access the electronic medical record on every patient they see. Upstairs there is a computer room, library, and conference room. Clearly Baylor has resources. In stark contrast is the neigboring hospital. Outside you see women washing the sheets for the cribs and beds. Women and babies lay in rusty cribs/beds. The hospital serves approx 300 kids. A large quantity ... read more

I arrived in Malawi after being in transit for essentially 2 days. By the time I made it to my final flight, I was over the flying experience. Thankfully Kenya airways hooks it up pretty nice. After a 1 1/2 hour delay waiting on the runway, we take off. As we become airborn, I realize I'm in the wrong seat. Thankfully no one makes me move and I have an empty seat next to me to stretch out a bit. So after touching down in Malawi I prepare to go through the usual customs routine. Once that's done, I anxiously await the arrival of my bags. When I got to Nairobi they notified me that one of my bags/box did not make the flight. I had a minor freak out. As I'm waiting at the baggage ... read more

Gathering inspiration from some of the most well traveled folks I know, Meli and Leroy. I'm going to attempt to chronicle my journey. I can't promise consistency, but you'll get a little peak into my time here in Malawi and eventually Kenya. Plus, who actually wants to spend time individually updating everyone via email! So, for those who didn't know I left... I did. For those who did know...I made it safely. Today is actually day #2 in Malawi. This morning I about to head over to clinic and start seeing some kids. I come with very limited knowledge about pediatric HIV, so I am excited to start learning and teaching. ... read more