highs and lows

Shannon and Sender did not have the 7 shots!!

We've had some very sad cases in the past few days but have also had some good moments. Shannon discussed our very sad death of a 9 day old child. We are heartbroken and hope we call all find a way to learn from this tragedy.

On Tuesday we spoke to the nurse anesthesia techs at Kigali Health Institute. It was a good group of about 25 and they kept us late asking questions. Shannon and I keep bring impressed with how keen everyone is to learn. They also knew most of the answers to our questions.

Today we presented the rationale for the surgical safety checklist to a group of 25 or 30 people at King Faisal Hospital. The program was well received and many of the surgeons and anesthetists are keen to implement it. Some staff from CHK also attended with favourable response.

Tonight we had the residents over to the apartment for journal club – Alfred brought drinks and samosas and we had a lively discussion. Shannon and I were impressed with their level of preparation. Shannon's charming picture of me was taken at the Serena Hotel, where we went for dinner last night with Emmy and Sender. We joked about taking home the shot glasses for banana wine shooters for the residents if they did well at journal club.

We are planning a trip to Gisenyi this weekend. It is at the north end of Lake Kivu, which I have yet to see.

Our time in Rwanda is going quickly. I've found this trip to be easier than the others as I have a good idea of what to expect and am now with friends. I meet more of the staff and develop a clearer understanding of what is needed with each trip. It has been good to see incremental improvements – particularly the level of ability in the residents. Shannon has been an excellent traveling companion (even if she makes jokes about my drinking). It has been fun having Sender in the apartment. He will make a huge contribution to surgical training. We've made great use of our Serena pool pass!! However, it is disturbing to see the increase in traffic. The air quality in Kigali is worse than a couple of years ago.

Monday will be our last academic day and that evening we will all go to Heaven (a restaurant in the centre with beautiful views - al fresco dinning- and great food). It is the goodbye dinner with all the residents and staff, as some residents have to travel back to Butare.