On February 20, Dr. David Drozek (OU-HCOM surgeon) led a small group of physicians (a plastic surgeon, 2 anesthesia residents, 2 family medicine residents, 1 plastic and reconstructive surgery resident) and a construction volunteer to provide medical care to the people of Haiti. Landing in the Dominical Republic, this group then travelled by bus for eight hours to the clinic at Lilavois. They are working at a small hospital to perform surgery and provide wound care as well as working to get a small clinic up and running to capacity. Their initial focus will be to help the medical staff that is present, and to work on preparing the facility for full function. The group is being hosted by Delta Ministries.

See an interview with the doctor who is there and see the building: http://coolchurchtech.typepad.com/haiti/2010/02/a-tour-of-the-clinic-at-lilavois.html.

The building structure is sound, according to an inspection by an engineer, but the patients are afraid to enter buildings after what they have experienced! There is no running water, but there is a hand pump well. The electricity is out. The building has some minor damage, and is full of dust. There is an operating room which the first team will try to prepare for future teams. The doctor at the clinic is doing obstetrics, amputations, and everything else in the open air, seeing about 150 patients a day with his nurse. The medical supplies were reportedly running out so each team member carried medicines and supplies.

On February 27, three additional physicians, three nurses, one nurse practitioner and one volunteer will leave for Haiti to staff the clinic.

We are working with the OU-HCOM development office to raise funds to support the travel and to purchase additional supplies. To donate: (provide the link here to the donor card).

If you would like additional information or would like to join a future team, please contact Gillian Ice (iceg@ohio.edu).
 

  Updates from Dr. Drozek

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