okay, so this is over a week old, but for some reason when I went to post it, it wasn't working...here it is. better late than never, right?
Classes have ended, seniors have graduated, grades have been released, and the Florida sun is scorching and bright. Yep, it’s summer. And yet, somehow my days do not have the same lackadaisical feel that I’m used to. Oh wait, I guess it’s due to my waking up at 6:45 every morning to work long days at the hospital…Yeah, that’s probably it.
I don’t have any cool pictures—since it would probably be weird to take a snapshot in a hospital ward—but my words will have to do…
An orientation last week kicked off the experience, with myself and the eleven other people who are completing this same project being given a tour of the hospital. Let me tell you, even as small as Florida Hospital DeLand is, it was a tiring day going through every department and learning what they do.
On Thursday, I started my interactions with the doctors and patients, and it’s just been a whirlwind tour since then. Already I’ve worked in the emergency department, the operating room, radiology, physical therapy, internal medicine, and with a family doctor. I’ve visited with a total of 72 patients already, and it has been a real learning experience to observe how the different kinds of people react to treatment, to doctors, and to the general healthcare setting.
Three days ago we had to tell an already depressed man that he had colon cancer. Yesterday, we helped someone walk again (after knee replacement surgery). Today, we told a woman she was cancer free. The emotions have been up and down, and this experience—only halfway through—is unlike anything I’ve ever taken on. Here’s hoping I have enough energy to make it two more weeks!
As a side note, if anyone reading this so desires, please pray that the political turmoil in Thailand settles down so that the other half of this Summer of Service can come to fruition…Thank you!
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