Dengue Fever...is that you?

How is it possible to learn so much in such a short amount of time? I thought my brain would be full by now, but no! I was in the ICU again yesterday and was able to watch an interesting procedure. One of the patients had nephrotic syndrome which advanced to renal failure. In order to receive dialysis, Dr. Hau placed a stent/catheter in her femoral vein. A procedure like this in the States would probably be low-key but in Vietnam it's a whole other story. I watched the procedure along with Kelly (another girl on the trip) and about 15 other people. This included med students, nurses, nursing students, and residents. It was a packed house. The pressure was on for Dr. Hau. After 2 attempts, he was finally successful. Talk about pressure! I know I wouldn't want 15 people watching me as I tried to place a catheter into someone's vein. Sheesh.

Today I was on the GI unit and the infectious disease floor for a bit. What a treat! I worked with Dr. Luong this time. His method of teaching is so great. He basically brings you into the room and says, "okay now, assess the patient and figure out what is wrong with them." Luckily another student was with me and we worked together to determine that one patient had Dengue Fever and another had measles. Two diseases that I may never have the opportunity to see in the States. Dr. Luong provided translation for us as we interviewed each patient, got a history of their signs/symptoms, and did a physical assessment. It's amazing to read about a disease in a textbook one day and see it in the hospital the next.

This afternoon we are going to learn more about IMCI (integrated management of childhood illness) and how to use it properly here in Vietnam. IMCI is a diagnostic program designed by the World Health Organization so doctors, nurses, etc. can easily diagnose and distinguish between a variety of infectious diseases in children. Tomorrow morning we will be in the emergency room in order to use IMCI to diagnose patients. Love it!

In other news: Last night we went out to eat at a new restaurant. Caitlin and I decided to be adventerous and order some Vietnamese delicacies. She ordered the eel and I went for the frog. When in Rome, I guess. As you can see from the picture below, we cleared our plates and went home happy.
Hope you're all doing great. The trip is almost 1/2 way done. I can't believe it!