CMC Hospital

I've spent two days at the main hospital now, both with the ENT department. The staff and residents have been incredibly gracious and are at least acting like they are happy to have me around! The first day was overwhelming. I arrived at the hospital not knowing where to go or even what time I was expected to be there. I wandered around, floating along with the sea of people for some time before asking directions. I came across one of the rehabilitation centers on the hospital campus with a plaque dedicated to Paul Brand. As some of you know, he is sort of a medical hero of mine. For a brief moment the blaring horns and general madness of the place quieted down as I thought about Dr. Brand and all the work he did for leprosy patients at this very hospital. Shortly after my moment with the plaque, I found my was to the ENT outpatient center and found Dr. Job, the head of the department. The clinic was busy - we saw over 200 patients between everybody - and one thing they don't do here is patient confidentiality. There were 2 or 3 patients at times, along with their family members in an exam room no bigger than a cubicle! It was hilarious. Not to mention some random american squeezed into the corner.

The next day we were in the operating room all day - or as they call it here, the operating theater. The surgeries were all very familiar - microscopic ear surgery, biopsies, sinus surgery etc. etc. They used the same tools and did the same procedures as we do here - They just seem to do it with less wast and under slightly more difficult circumstances. One of the residents told me that one of the overarching themes of India is just finding a way to make do with what they have. From what I have seen in the hospital, they're doing a great job.