The Final Week

It is hard to believe it is our last week here in Rwanda.  We spent the end of last week in Butare working with the 1^st and 2^nd year anesthesia residents at CHUB.  We had grand aspirations of working with them on how to use a defibrillator.   We were excited as CHUB was reported to have 3 working defibrillators. (CHUK has none) After searching around the ICU, we found a defibrillator that was reported to be functional.  I wasn’t quite familiar with the model (very old) but seemed to have all of the working parts.  I showed the residents how to use it which was rather amusing until I realized they have not really been taught ACLS so they were not as familiar with algorithms to treat the various arrhythmias as I hoped. (Another area to consider adding to the curriculum)  I did show them how to use it.  I don’t think this part made Michael very comfortable as I think he was afraid the unit would short circuit and he wasn’t ready to resuscitate me.  Luckily, the rest of the day was uneventful.

On the way back to Kigali we stopped at the National Museum of Rwanda.  It is a beautifully presented collection of exhibits on Rwandan history and culture surrounded by beautiful gardens.  I would highly recommend a visit for anyone visiting Rwanda.

This past weekend I decided to go with some friends to visit a small eco lodge in Uganda called Bushara Island Camp.  It is only 1 ½ hour drive north from Kigali.  The camp is a small lodge on an island in the middle of lake Bunyonyi.  There is no electricity on this island yet it had amazing food and provided hot showers.  The profits from the campground assist local communities around the lake with activities such as orphan care, income generation, education, agro-forestry.  Despite the rain (that I kept hoping would go away) it was beautiful and very relaxing.  I have never seen (or heard) so many birds in my life.  There are reported to be over 200 species of birds on the island.  (and many more insectsJ) The time away from Kigali was well worth it.

tent (my room) on the island

Today was the start of our last week at CHUK and our last academic day.  I gave a lecture on caudal anesthesia and then we had several case presentations.  One by Sylvestre on the management of a terrible burn patient with an impossible airway and then by Michael who reviewed some important teaching points from the month. The day finished with a test to review the key points from the month.

residents thanking all the people who donated much needed equipment to CHUK

This evening was a real treat for me as we had dinner with Emmy who is a good friend I met in Rwanda 2 years ago who has just returned home to Rwanda after spending the last 9 months in Norway.   He was very happy to be home with his family and friends.  It was great to catch up with him.

my good friend Emmy.  I am glad he is home!