Jabwot

I had the pleasure of going to an outreach on the island of Jabwot. Our team was flown in by helicopter and my first impression as we flew over the island was that it was deserted. We soon found out that it pretty much was. We walked for fifteen minutes through a serene jungle, minus the occasional falling coconut, until we finally saw the village. Going in we were told to expect a census of 100 people. After checking everyone in at the clinic, we found there to be 54 people. Thankfully, all of the islanders received excellent care from a nurse that lived there and were generally in sound health.

After talking to one of the village elders I found out that the children have many opportunities to get off of the island and make a career for themselves. She had two sons in Arkansas and another in Hawaii. Though with 13 children, I guess some of them are bound to get around. We did see one patient who came in contact with a local predator. A fisherman had suffered a run in with a shark, was bitten in the wrist, and lost use of the tendons necessary for movement of the wrist. The doctor was able to refer the patient thanks to the Marshall's excellent referral system and follow-up care.

I was able to work right next to the two doctors and hand-deliver the medications so my job was done as soon as they had seen the last patient. The veterinary team unfortunately was up to their elbows in pig and dog neutering and soon enlisted our help. My first job, fend off the angry sow with a shovel while her male piglets were castrated. My second job, hold a piglet down while it was being castrated. Thankfully there was no third job. I figure the first two would look good enough on my resume.

Perhaps they'll let me pull teeth at the next site.