Today we will finish surgeries on over 100 patients. Anesthesia care here is frugal, simple, but challenging. One must understand that many of these children have never seen a doctor until they saw us. This makes us very concerned and extra cautious when we anesthetize them. I have been privileged to be among a stellar anesthesia team led by John Lee. He is well experienced in mission anesthesia. I will leave with ambivalent emotions. As much as I miss my home and family, a part of me realizes that we leave work that still needs to be done. I wish everyone in the States could experience a mission like this to help them appreciate what they have, and put into perspective what they are or are not entitled to.
One surprising experience I have had is that in twelve days I have recalled much more Spanish, which I had studied long ago, than I ever would have expected. When you have to communicate, it will come back to you!
Overall, the mission has been a great success. I thank the Rotarians and fellow medical team members for a great experience.
~Joel Buhyoff CRNA
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