Cochabamba.... week 2 (aka how to climb two thousands steps without dying...)

This week has been an absolutely amazing one, as we continue to wander around the City of Eternal Spring and become better acquainted with its citizens.  Becoming more familiar with the hospital system at the Clinica Americana Boliviana, we were able to witness more surgeries than we had in the previous week.  These surgeries varied from simple skin grafts to massive sub-dermal liposuction.  In retrospect, it is clear to see that there is a wide gap between what we see at the Clinica and what must be happening at the Viedma Hospital.  With all these experiences at the Clinica, I can not help but wonder if what we are experiencing is only a skewed view of the Bolivian healthcare system.  After all, one can only imagine the expense required to have a massive liposuction in a country where the average worker only makes B150 (~$21) per MONTH!  Consider, also, that the average antibiotic and cough syrup combined costs B125 (~$17).  While this is relatively cheap for Americans, given the favorable exchange rate, it is a crippling cost for a family where everyone must work just to make ends meet.   Nevertheless, the indomitable spirit and optimism of the Cochabambian people is insatiable.  It is a lesson that each of us can and should learn from when faced with daily trials and opposition.

When you look out at the Cochabambian skyline you are surrounded by beautiful mountains and small villas that extend up as far as the tree line.  Lately the weather has been cold enough to allow pure white snow to cap the tallest of these peaks, providing an ample contrast to the beautiful flowers and lush palm trees that intermingle with the wide variety of man-made structures.  There is so much good in the world that at times it can be practically overwhelming.  Despite difficulties with the language and expressing oneself in it, smiles and stumbling through it always proves to bring a smile to the most tired nurse.  Although we may only be rising second years and, thus, unable to provide as much help as maybe a fourth year resident, in many respects our constant presence is enough.  One of the goals of the program is not only to provide service where needed, but to also build bridges and increase the goodwill that exists between all parties.  Every time we witness a c-section or witness a physician listen to the heart rate of an elderly patient, both parties synergistically benefit in what could only be described as pure magic.  While at times it is easy to only see the negative around us, only through a positive and persistent perspective are we able to accomplish the mission that we have accepted.  Every day more doors are opening; you just have to be willing to take the first step and walk through them.