MS4BCI Round 2

BCI Bolivia is the first trip I've made out of country alone. As such, this project has been a series of challenges and firsts for me. For instance, simply making my connecting flights was a challenge since I've never been accountable for myself in such a situation. The project provides much freedom, allowing students to engage in varying degrees with their experience. Our freedom here has challenged me to show more initiative.

My rookie travelling status, and novice medical and Spanish skills have made me hesitant in my interactions with others. However, Dr. Bynum and last year's gang of MS4BCI students forewarned about this feeling of ineptitude. Confronting my hesitation, I could either limit my interaction with the Clinica Americano Boliviano (where virtually nobody speaks English) or I could dive head in.

Of course I opted to not dive head in, however, neither was I discouraged from engaging with the clinic. Interacting with the staff has been the most difficult because I only understand a fraction of what I'm told. I discovered that I can speak Spanish much better than I can comprehend it. With that in mind, my first week has been an orientation. I have remained a little side-lined due to the difficulty in communication between the staff and me. This upcoming week, I plan to stay longer hours and get more exposure as I develop better language skills. 

Nevertheless, Will P. and I witnessed a superficial parotidectomy last week. I was also able to shadow a trauma doctor and a gynecologist. My companions in the burn clinic seem to have had more exposure to medicine, but I believe this is because the burn clinic is familiar with MS4BCI and its goals. The American Clinic should become a great place to send students as the staff becomes more accustomed to our presence. The American Clinic also seems surprisingly sophisticated compared to descriptions about the limited resources in the burn clinic, but I shall remain uncertain until I visit the burn clinic the week after next.

   

Overall, our theme for the first week has been adjustment. The great thing about a project like MS4BCI is that we have to take charge. We have run into mis-communication and unexpected circumstances, but I believe this has hardened our determination to make this a great experience. We remain flexible and eager to learn. Because I am just getting my bearings, it is difficult to report on too much within the first week. I take this new week with more enthusiasm after a refreshing weekend trip to Salar de Uyuni. More to come and a more descriptive account next week!