This month I started my internship at Avenue Hospital. After two whole weeks of pure relaxation, it was difficult for me to adjust back to my early wake up schedule! Haha. I had recently purchased my full EMT trainee uniform; white pilot shirt tucked into navy blue pants and black socks with leather loafers. My first posting was a week and a half in theatre! I was extremely nervous as to how I would feel about watching my first operations, but I soon found out that there was no place for me to have qualms.  Upon arrival to theatre I was given scrubs to change into (they are like  big green pajamas  with lime crocs, as well as a cap for my head and surgical mask for my face. The first case I experienced was a caesarian section. I did cringe as they cut through skin and muscle and tissue with a hot cutting tool but other than that it was actually quite fascinating. Then the little newborn was pulled out; extremely pink and with thick, black curls. I truly felt the joy of seeing a new life. In the pediatrician s own words; ‘welcome!’

I got to see quite a number of interesting procedures. In one week alone we performed  10 c-sections. So many new and beautiful lives have joined us here on earth.  There were a couple broken bone settings,  also tumor removals and fibroid surgery and yet another  to remove an obstructed gallbladder. My duties grew as the days passed and as they came to trust my skills. I was able to fix I V lines, monitor patients, prepare patients for surgery and I even intubated on one brilliant occasion. It was my first real patient contact and was it was challenge to work with them. Many of them were scared and in need of a comforting word or assuring glance.

Not all my experiences in theatre were pleasant. I watched an  Electroconvulsive Therapy, which involves sending electric shocks through a psychiatric patient’s body via prongs attached to the temples….there were also mothers that had had miscarriages and came in to have evacuation. My job to be with them and calm them and make sure they were ok. Then there was the little baby girl that was born without any signs of breathing. She had to be treated with aggressive resuscitation and airway interventions and was eventually  taken to ICU.

I also had the opportunity to meet many interesting medical personnel and even got along with some of the surgeons. We had many a serious discussion over Kenyan “chai”, about matters from the medical and spiritual realms.  They all had their fascinating life stories and experiences to share as well.

All in all, the learning experience was incredible. I learned all about anesthetic drugs and administrations. I learned how to set up the needed equipment for surgery and how to sterilize equipment post-operation etc ,etc.  Next week I shall be posted to another department and the learning will be continued. I pray always that I can learn the most from the Great Physician; who healed with love and compassion  and cared for the needs of the people s souls as well as the body.

Internship at Avenue Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya