Hospital activity, Barb's new stove, Norwegian students

Activity continues at rapid pace in the hospital. The usual rotation of visiting medical personnel each month and new faces on hospital-related business reminds us of the significance of this facility and its mission. Mr. Kim is constantly meeting with visitors and dignitaries looking to MCM to meet their healthcare needs. Our new CT Scanner, C-Arm, and radiology equipment are ready to be installed and anticipate will be up and running by Christmas. Revised long-range plans were announced last week. The timetable for the medical school and nursing school has been accelerated, and expansion of the outpatient and inpatient facilities, including a new 4 story wing, will begin soon. It is exciting to be on board for the journey.
    We went shopping and bought Barbara a new stove. It’s about half the size of our stove at home. Cute little fellow. They sell the cord separately but no plug! So we searched and plugged it in. OK for the first 20 minutes but then the breaker flipped. How do you explain "blew a fuse" or "tripped the breaker" in Korean or Amharic in the middle of the night? Lots of sign language! She’s working now and Barbara has surprised herself with some great high-altitude creations (8,000 ft. here).

    The Norwegian medical students have left for Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro, do a safari, and then to Zanzibar before returning to Norway. They had 3 research projects they initiated here and presented  at grand rounds last week. On the night of their departure they all came to our apartment for farewell wishes. Seven students and 5 others of us gathered around our table in the tiny kitchen. It was a delightful, spontaneous, and cozy event. Their positive attitude and enthusiasm will be missed by all.

    Our Sign nail sets are on their way. We are anxious to use them in our treatment of fractures as this will be a big step forward in improving care. Dr. Luis Arrazola, a transplant surgeon from Seattle, has been with us doing biliary and hepatic surgery (not transplants). The surgeons are grateful for his teaching skills. The volunteer neurosurgeons from Denmark and Norway are much appreciated.

-- Don