Visitors, May 2011

Julie Zilienski, Pediatric Orthopaedist from Chattanooga, Tennessee, came back in May. Julie did her orthopaedic training in Michigan and then did her pediatric fellowship with my friend Chad Price in Orlando. Chad had been over here with me several years ago and encouraged Julie’s interest in developing countries. Julie came over last August, immediately after her fellowship and just before she started private practice, and helped greatly with many of our pediatric cases. During this visit she addressed new problems and made patient rounds, surgeries (many difficult cases), conferences and rounds at Black Lion. Word got out she was here and parents and friends brought in pediatric patients from all over Ethiopia. We had kids lined up to see her. Worku, a resident rotating from Black Lion during the month, spent a lot of time with Julie and was inspired by her “coming” to Ethiopia “for him” and her willingness to share her knowledge and time. Julie is a talented young lady who has so much to offer. We feel privileged to have had her here and look forward to her return.

Lacey, Dick, and staff sizing up the gap on Robyn's chin

Lacey Menkin and Robyn Sharma, third year medical students from the University of Miami, came during their break at school. Lacey’s dad Marty Menkin is a neurologist at my hospital in Orlando. He has treated my family and been a friend of mine for many years. She had expressed interest in developing-world medicine and he referred her to me. These young ladies were a delight; their enthusiasm for medicine, concern for the patients and how to help global medicine were exemplary. They were not hesitant about participating in conferences, surgery, or becoming involved with the local culture. Dick Koning, a surgeon, originally from the Netherlands, trained at Columbia Presbyterian and has practiced for many years in Bend, Oregon. He was here and guided Lacey and Robyn during their stay. Robyn fell in the operating theater and sustained a laceration of her chin. Dick called on his plastic surgery skills for a great cosmetic repair.

 

 Lacey, Robyn, and others reviewing a CT scan

Dick brought a young special-needs teacher just out of her masters program and a nurse supervisor-administrator with him, who have assisted him in supporting and developing an Autistic center here in Addis Ababa. It’s exciting to see the many facets that bring disparate individuals together thousands of miles from their home in an effort to support hurting people half a world away.

—Don