From my seat on the plane, I can see a True Value Hardware Store bulletin board. Our smooth landing brought me no joy as I realized the extent which American companies have impacted Honduras. While I don´t know its direct impact, I knew its proximity to the airport was foreshadowing my first week. Once off the plane, I was picked up by Erlín. I enter van with tires as tall as my waist. He tells me this is the vehicle that he takes on Brigadas, temporary health clinics outside the city. Soon after he suggested restaurants that were along our drive to my hotel: Wendy’s, Burger King, Mcdonalds, Pizza Hut and KFC. My spirit and appetite diminished, although I had not eaten anything except granola bars the past 5 hours. We decided on Papusas, cheese, meat, and/or bean stuffed cornmeal bread at Cascades Mall, one of the largest malls in Tegucigalpa. When we arrived at the mall, I was surprised to see a 3-stories lively atmosphere. What burdened my heart the most was not the planned obsolescence of malls or lack of public transportation on the road. I was taken back by the amount of plastic being used in single-use containers (food, beverages, and shopping bags) and the amount of litter. Styrofoam is very popular here as many restaurants and small markets rely on this form of packaging for serving customers. While the hills in the distance are lush, there remain piles of trash tucked away in abandoned buildings or lots.
The next day I was picked up by my supervisor Alex Flores, Administrative General of El Centro de Salud Integral ZOE. When we arrived at the clinic the first thing I noticed was the line. As we pulled into the parking lot, I noticed two separate waiting areas, one for medical and the other for optical care. Each has approximately 20 chairs each, and are regularly above capacity. I was first placed with the optician assistants. With their instruction, I learned how to administer Snellen chart readings, use an autorefractor, and lensmeter.
On Friday I started preparing the archive for my research, met with a translator, organized logistics, and took inventory of the glasses I plan to distribute during our Brigadas.
Monday was the first day I shadowed cataract surgeries and started interviewing patients. Under the supervision of Doctor Flores and Doctor Lopez, I watched a total of 8 cataract surgeries. In-between these surgeries, I completed my first interview with a patient who had just been released from surgery.
On Tuesday, I shadowed Doctor Rojas in the operating room and saw two unique surgeries. I saw a vitrectomy and a pneumatic retinopexy. After these, I continued to collect data for my research.
Wednesday marks the end of my first week in Honduras. I watched 5 cataract surgeries and 1 pterygium eye surgery under Doctor Flores. I started to help with the clean-up and preparation of the operation room. Today was the first day I felt like I contributed to the surgical team. Having noticed an empty oxygen tank, I brought it to the attention of nurses and they quickly exchanged it.
The clinic, like every other establishment, has both barbed wire and security guards. The hallways, although regularly mopped, always feel dirty. The waiting rooms feel temporary, as patients wait on metal fold-up chairs. The walls are blank, as there are no images on the walls. Maybe its the use of cool LED lights that make these areas feel uncomfortable. Maybe its the lack of hospitality that makes the clinic feel inviting. Despite the seemingly low investment in the waiting room, the clinic offers a wide range of services: ophthalmology, optometry, dentistry, orthodontics, orthopaedics, internal medicine, dermatology, psychology, otolaryngology, audiology, gynaecology, paediatrics, nutrition, general medicine, laboratory tests, glasses shop, eyes nose and ear surgery, and ultrasounds. From my first day, I felt a genuine connection with the staff. I am proud to work for this clinic as it provides health care at an affordable cost to those who cannot typically afford these services. I am currently waiting on some good photos to share about the clinic.
Can’t wait to update you about the next week!
Todo azul en Tegucigalpa
P.S. Todo Azul is a phrase equal to “all is good” or “todo está bien”
