Alaska has some mighty fine folks who have brought medical brigades to Nicaragua for 15 years now. And despite the recent high travel advisories they still come, including the most recent group who came the week of November 9-16.
Their very first group that came brought two pediatricians. Mary was one of them and we had a conversation that went like this:
Mary: “How will we know what kind of parasites the children have? Do you have a lab?”
Me: “No. You will have to guess. If the feces are frothy treat for giardia. If there are worms in the feces then treat for that. If there is a fever then treat for a bacterial infection. If you are not sure then treat for bacteria and amoebas.”
Mary: “But how will I know?”
Me: “You won’t. Ask the parents and give it your best shot.”
It took me awhile to calm her fears until the other pediatrician - a retired Air Force pediatrician - finally said, “Mary, no one is going to sue you. Do your best.”
NOW we have a laboratory with a licensed lab technician.
NOW with our lab, our doctors can selectively target what is making the patients sick. Much, much better for the patients.
-Kathleen
NOTE: If you are using the mobile version, click on "web version" to see the full blog with all the features including "subscribe to blog by email". Please join us and also share on your social media.
