Just a half day at the hospital today (Saturday). I spent the morning watching surgeries and the afternoon reading and enjoying the nice weather. It's so crazy to hear about all the snow back in Texas. Stay warm!
Someone asked me today what field of medicine I was going into, and I have to admit I was a little embarrassed to say Psychiatry. It just seems so useless here. Not that it isn't needed - I'm told that the hospital sees a suicide almost every day (organophospate poisoning seems to be the method of choice). But to put things in perspective... Until recently only 14% of all babies born in India were delivered by some kind of skilled medical attendant. That is slowly changing, not because women are becoming more educated, but because the government has instituted a program that will pay 1500 rupees (about $33) to any women below the poverty line if she comes to a hospital to deliver her baby. In a place where women have to be bribed to come to the hospital when they're in labor, no one is going to seek medical help for depression. And people here are superstitious enough about taking antibiotics much less antidepressants. I guess it just gets back to the concept of conveying love. Maybe that's all you can do.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your comments and e-mails. They are such a source of joy and strength for me, and they help me feel connected to home. Thank you all so much for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.
[By the way, I will unfortunately be unable to upload any more photos or videos during my trip, since my computer has finally died. I can use the hospital's computer lab to post updates and send and receive e-mail, but no uploading anything. Bummer. It'll just have to wait till I get home.]
Someone asked me today what field of medicine I was going into, and I have to admit I was a little embarrassed to say Psychiatry. It just seems so useless here. Not that it isn't needed - I'm told that the hospital sees a suicide almost every day (organophospate poisoning seems to be the method of choice). But to put things in perspective... Until recently only 14% of all babies born in India were delivered by some kind of skilled medical attendant. That is slowly changing, not because women are becoming more educated, but because the government has instituted a program that will pay 1500 rupees (about $33) to any women below the poverty line if she comes to a hospital to deliver her baby. In a place where women have to be bribed to come to the hospital when they're in labor, no one is going to seek medical help for depression. And people here are superstitious enough about taking antibiotics much less antidepressants. I guess it just gets back to the concept of conveying love. Maybe that's all you can do.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your comments and e-mails. They are such a source of joy and strength for me, and they help me feel connected to home. Thank you all so much for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.
[By the way, I will unfortunately be unable to upload any more photos or videos during my trip, since my computer has finally died. I can use the hospital's computer lab to post updates and send and receive e-mail, but no uploading anything. Bummer. It'll just have to wait till I get home.]
2 comments:
Hi Angela. I'm glad you made it! It looks like you are having a great time and learning much about Indian culture. You are experiencing life changing stuff. Just remember DUMBELLS. See you soon...be safe. The thaw starts today.
At least we can see your postings. I hope you are doing well.
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