First Clinic Day Sunday 1/23/11

Started the day out bright and early with breakfast at 6:30 a.m.  Gathered after breakfast for a meeting with Tom, our mission leader.  He provided information about clinic set up and flow and much needed spiritual guidance.  Off to the clinic, driving from Santiago  ( about 35 minute drive) into the poverty stricken Cien Fuegos, a community of 300,000 people. 

 Day began by setting up the clinic (pictured above).  17 suitcases of medicine had to be unloaded, labeled and organized.  Two students started triage with the interpreters.  Very short on interpreters as they did not come as agreed, so we shared, making due with what was available.  The two NP's and 3 other NP students were in the diagnostic area assessing patient and prescribing appropriate treatment.  Common complaints were the "flu", hypertension, diabetes, arthrits symptoms and fungal infections.  Personnel broke for lunch about noon, with a great home cooked meal prepared by church members from Cien Fuegos.  Off to a filled afternoon in the clinic; triage, assess, diagnose and treat.  A total of 105 patients were seen, ranging from 2 month old infant to the elderly.  Randy, the dentist, pulled 10 teeth and cleaned many.  The people are so grateful for the care they received, a smile and a listening ear.  Many praised God for our efforts and presence here in the DR.  The children were beautiful and full of energy and loved getting their pictures taken. Culture shock was apparent in all of us.  After a long filled day, we are exhausted and ended the day with a relaxing dinner at a wonderful outdoor restaurant, concluding with a debriefing and summary of how we could improve clinic flow tomorrow.  We are grateful for the leadership of Tom and Nancy Hinton.   Dios la bodega (all praise to God)