Day 2: Monday

Our first day at the clinic was busy and interesting. We were thankful we had taken the time to set things up and do so much work on Sunday afternoon. Derek continued to improve upon his systems to organize and sterilize the surgical instruments. We walked to the little market down the street and picked up some things to help with that. The check in process went well and Mark and Brad were able to screen around 25 patients and line them up for procedures today and tomorrow. Mark N. had a very long and productive day, screening around 14 women who were referred for breast ultrasounds and possible biopsies, as well as training several physicians with the work. I was able to help with most areas of the clinic work, interpreting, helping to fill out forms, etc. I also was finally able to work along side the clinic social worker most of the day which was quite busy and interesting. We jumped between filling out patient forms, checking them into the clinic, even dispensing medications from the pharmacy and giving instructions to the patient about when and how to take them. Rosibel called herself multi-useful and I laughed and said we social workers are certainly multi-useful. All in all a great day. The team set up processes for patient procedures which of course can change at any moment as we put them into place. So, off we go. Keep in touch! Peace, Irene