On Rounds in Africa
August 22, 2009
Currently we have between 60 and 70 patients on the surgical service here at the hospital. As I was making my rounds the other day, I realized how very different the surgical diseases are here in Africa. Presently we have one patient who was attacked by an elephant with a tusk injury through his back. Another was stepped on by a water buffalo. One who was bitten by a donkey. Another gored by a bull. We have patients with rabies and tetanus, malaria and typhoid and tapeworms . During all my years in surgical practice in the U.S., I don’t recall treating any patients with these conditions. But the one thing that IS the same is that each and every one of these very sick patients respond to the compassionate care given by the men and women here who are doing their best to be the hands and heart of Jesus.
Hi!
Well, I’m a 15 year old from Houston, TX, and a sophmore in high school. Last January, I believe my mom and I went to a sermon at Lakewood Church, and you were there speaking about your mission in Africa. I have already had the intentions of becoming a surgeon, but with my strong faith, I also wanted to become a minister but wasn’t sure how to combine my love for both ministry and medicine in one, and well, your story inspired on a way I could so. I finally have come around to researching what schools you attended and things of that nature, but haven’t found much information. Every time I google “Paul Osteen” one or two pages come up about you, but the rest are about Joel! LOL. So I was wondering if there was any way you could tell me how I can be a mission and surgeon, please. Thanks so much!
-Marisa(: