This trip with Resurge is a unique format. We are not traveling with the 30-odd boxes that we normally of monitors, supplies, surgical kits, and other equipment. These boxes require baby-sitting, cumbersome hours in customs, and beaucoup dollars in cargo costs. Never mind the back-breaking task of loading and hauling them around...
This trip is more of an education clinical trip. We hope to work very closely with the local teams, acting as little voices over their shoulders, watching how they do what they do, and adding input where we can. We will work side-by-side with Dr. Shankar Man Rai, and we will do fewer procedures than usual to allow time to teach and discuss each case. I'm sure the learning will go both ways; I love the tips and tricks I pick up from our international colleagues who are always so gracious at sharing their space and techniques.
Nepal is a landlocked democratic republic of about 57,000 square miles (about the size of Iowa). It is a small country - 93rd in the world by land mass - but the 41st most populous. It is in the Himalayas, with 240 peaks over 20,000 feet above sea level. It has eight of the ten tallest mountains in the world, including the tallest - Mount Everest. The country is bordered by China (Tibetan Autonomous Region) to the north and India to south, east, and west. Nepal is believed to be at least 2500 years old, with the birth of Buddha at about that time.
Most Nepalis are Hindu (more than 80%), with Shiva regarded as the guardian diety. Nine percent are Buddhist, with Islam and Christianity at 4.4 and 1.4% respectively. About 47% speak Nepali, which derives from Sanskrit.
There has been turmoil in Nepal's history, including war with the British East India company and a civil war in 1996 between the republic and the Maoist Communist group. In 2006 the King relinquished sovereign power to the people and it became a secular state, ending Nepal's status as a Hindu Kingdom. The palace was turned over as a public museum. There still remain political tensions and power battles.
Health care services are improving, but many public health issues remain. Less than 40% of households are reported to have a toilet and well or hand-pump drinking water is the source for half of households. Life expectancy is about 66 years, and disease prevalence is higher than other South Asian countries, especially in rural areas. There are gastrointestinal diseases, parasites, TB, and even leprosy. Malnutrition is high with about 1/2 of children under 5 years small for age.
Kathmandu is the largest city and capital of Nepal, with just under one million inhabitants. It is at about 4600 feet altitude. One of its sister cities is Eugene, Oregon. Kathmandu's airport is notorious for being the most dangerous in the world - this pointed out to me by one of my colleagues the day before leaving.
Packing for this trip ought to be easy as we do not have to haul as much stuff. I am bringing personal items I use in anesthesia, and anything I think may be of interest or use to other colleagues. We have to go with open eyes and a clean slate of expectations, and see what this team can do when stripped of our "security boxes". It ought to be fun.
Passport, visa photos, extra cash, toothbrush - check!
This trip is more of an education clinical trip. We hope to work very closely with the local teams, acting as little voices over their shoulders, watching how they do what they do, and adding input where we can. We will work side-by-side with Dr. Shankar Man Rai, and we will do fewer procedures than usual to allow time to teach and discuss each case. I'm sure the learning will go both ways; I love the tips and tricks I pick up from our international colleagues who are always so gracious at sharing their space and techniques.
Nepal is a landlocked democratic republic of about 57,000 square miles (about the size of Iowa). It is a small country - 93rd in the world by land mass - but the 41st most populous. It is in the Himalayas, with 240 peaks over 20,000 feet above sea level. It has eight of the ten tallest mountains in the world, including the tallest - Mount Everest. The country is bordered by China (Tibetan Autonomous Region) to the north and India to south, east, and west. Nepal is believed to be at least 2500 years old, with the birth of Buddha at about that time.
Most Nepalis are Hindu (more than 80%), with Shiva regarded as the guardian diety. Nine percent are Buddhist, with Islam and Christianity at 4.4 and 1.4% respectively. About 47% speak Nepali, which derives from Sanskrit.
There has been turmoil in Nepal's history, including war with the British East India company and a civil war in 1996 between the republic and the Maoist Communist group. In 2006 the King relinquished sovereign power to the people and it became a secular state, ending Nepal's status as a Hindu Kingdom. The palace was turned over as a public museum. There still remain political tensions and power battles.
Health care services are improving, but many public health issues remain. Less than 40% of households are reported to have a toilet and well or hand-pump drinking water is the source for half of households. Life expectancy is about 66 years, and disease prevalence is higher than other South Asian countries, especially in rural areas. There are gastrointestinal diseases, parasites, TB, and even leprosy. Malnutrition is high with about 1/2 of children under 5 years small for age.
Kathmandu is the largest city and capital of Nepal, with just under one million inhabitants. It is at about 4600 feet altitude. One of its sister cities is Eugene, Oregon. Kathmandu's airport is notorious for being the most dangerous in the world - this pointed out to me by one of my colleagues the day before leaving.
Packing for this trip ought to be easy as we do not have to haul as much stuff. I am bringing personal items I use in anesthesia, and anything I think may be of interest or use to other colleagues. We have to go with open eyes and a clean slate of expectations, and see what this team can do when stripped of our "security boxes". It ought to be fun.
Passport, visa photos, extra cash, toothbrush - check!
