This blog has conditions

Do not read this blog IF:

Your first name begins with the letter C
You are into philosophy, religion, or basketball
House is your favorite TV show
You do not like eating Quiche for dinner
You have recently hiked near/at Ramona Falls on Mt. Hood, OR
The words, "Hubba, hubba" have meaning to you
You can not eat spicy foods
You like to play golf
Or the game that shall not be named
You have mowed your backyard with a push mower
And start fires with starter logs


You have been warned.


This week I have been in several different areas of the Hospital and I feel pretty special because a lot of the Residents know me. Yea, I'm special =) I've learned the more you try and talk Spanish the more you learn they really appreciate it and will try and let you participate more by sneaking you into the cafeteria. It's awesome!

OB/GYN is probably my favorite part of the hospital. I have been able to see two vaginal births (sin medication) and a hysterectomy. I can honestly say that I never want a hysterectomy in my life. Ever. I have yet to see a C-section but am determined to see one before I leave.

The workings of the hospital are very different than those in the US. I could not even begin to describe all the ways. A very obvious one in OB is that there is no nursery. Babies stay with their moms and that means if mom needs to sleep, go to the bathroom, take a shower baby is hanging out on the bed the entire time. Today one kiddo had a fit when his mom left to take a shower so I swiped him and walked him up and down the halls until mom was ready for him again.

Yesterday there was a taxi... hold up? on the way to the hospital. The buses could not get through and kicked us all off. I was with three others and we took our time walking the rest of the way to the hospital (1.5 miles). Hundreds of taxis blocked major intersections of the streets and there was bags of garbage blocking the smaller ones. This went on in various parts of the city all day and ended on a street close to my place last night.

Oaxaca is a very political state. People are very involved in what is going on around them and have a lot to say. Why this particular event was happening know one could give me a straight answer.

Taxi hold up near Crespo

In surgery I watched an amputation. If that was not clear: they cut off that man's foot. As in his FOOT. Better? I am not sure whether to be amazed and think this is the coolest thing ever or feel sorry for the man. He is about 61 years old, has severe diabetes, and it was infected. The man was also awake during surgery. I think they gave him an epidural.

Burning skin/muscle from bone: Fibula and Tibia already sliced

The man's FOOT

 There is a fourth year resident that is charged with making sure we stay out of trouble. He was also the one that amputated the man's leg. I want his autograph. Instead I got a picture. Almost as good. Almost. If I printed it do you think he would sign it?

Dr. Jesus, Kirstin, Me, His friend

One of the other residents is in the picture as well. It was the only way we could talk the resident into taking a picture with us.

There is a Doctor that meets with us once a week to explain how the health care system works in Mexico, she also over looks our rotations, and ensures we are having a good experience. Tonight was our last night meeting with her. We talked more about Diabetes, Hyper tension, and other common diseases in Oaxaca.

All the gringos with Dr. Maggali