Johannesburg, South Africa is the only city in the world to raise two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. In stark contrast, it remains the second most violent city in the world, with a crime rate more than ten times greater than the most dangerous cities in the United States. Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital is the third largest hospital in the world and has more than 125 trauma activations daily, most of them penetrating trauma. The Trauma Surgery program is renowned; residents and medical students rotate here year-round from around the world. Yet, the hospital is severely understaffed and under-resourced. Many patients wait in hallways and die before they reach the operating table. Thus, visiting staff are invaluable to both faculty and patients. Because there is no shortage of work to be done, even medical students serve a pivotal role in improving outcomes, functioning above their training level. My responsibilities include taking q3 30hour call, with advanced procedure exposure such as chest tubes, central lines, and assisting in resuscitations. There are considerable safety risks. I will take careful precautions against HIV/AIDS (>50% prevalence) and live in an enclosed neighbourhood. I have spoken with peers who have rotated through previously. They report that the risks are real, but there is no ceiling to the learning and experiences.
This blog will follow my four-week experience from beginning to end.
I am as excited as I am frightened.
I fly out today. Let the adventure begin.
