April 18, 2016

by Fenton Rees

Pat is now into the second half of her month in Gabon. The doctors she was substituting for have either now just returned or will do so in the next few days. But many are re-entering slowly, and that is fine, which is why Pat is there for the whole month of April. Many are excited to report on the new stuff they have learned at the Christian medical conference in Greece.

On Saturday Pat reported: “Saturday was so busy, starting out coding a guy and then teaching central lines and dopamine doses. Then two small procedures, but didn't get home until almost 3pm. Had Sam, Amanda, and Bella for dinner. (resident, wife, and child). She has become such a good little girl and it was a nice time. This Alanna (the nurse from Ohio that is there to help Pat for the whole month) that came to help is major fast cook, fast cleaner, and so good at reaching out to other women on compound. Great gal. “Still busy here, but having fun, and even fun teaching the young Dr. Elesay."

One big change will occur in the next month: Dr. Keir Thelander who is the medical director and chief surgeon will be leaving to return to the US. He has been promoted to be head of PACCS (Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons) back here in the US. There are about 10 surgical training programs like that at Bongolo scattered around Africa, so he will be over all of these now. Dr Keir’s departure will be sorely felt at Bongolo. His undergraduate degree was in electrical engineering (when I have been at Bongolo I kid him about “backsliding”), but that training has really helped him manage the physical facility as well as the medical stuff. A younger surgeon will now take over his role as medical director.

Change is never easy, so pray that these changes will work out OK.