Be Strong & Courageous

CMDA Resident Life Facebook Posting, February 16, 2013:

Yesterday in clinic I had that moment when I thought, "Wait, that's just not right."  I'm halfway through year two of residency, and I'm starting to pick up on that sick/not sick feeling.  In the US, I have a lot of options...tests to run, specialists to call, attendings to consult if I have questions, concerns, etc.  But I'm not in the US this month--I'm in Honduras on a one month international elective.  The 9-month old boy sitting in front of me weighs 5.5kg (11 pounds) and the mom isn't concerned about his weight.  He's always been small.  What brought him in today--his first doctor visit ever--was that he's

started turning purple and passing out when he gets angry.  I spent a long time--with an interpreter--clarifying the story.  Clarifying what he eats and drinks.  Trying to figure out why a 9 month old can't even sit up on his own.

Thankfully here, I'm not alone (of course...the ACGME RRC wouldn't like that!).  I'm here with my chief resident from last year who is serving for 2 years with World Medical Mission.  Together we're reading a ton and emailing specialists in the US our pictures and EKGs and 'heart ultrasound' pictures (not exactly a formal ECHO because we don't know how to do those).  We have limited labs available, but the ones we have available we've done, just to rule out as much as we can.  Bottom line, this kiddo needs a specialist!  The cool thing is that we are that specialist here.  We're following & monitoring him and will refer him to the right people in the big cities when we figure out who that is.

Deuteronomy 31 chronicles some of Moses' last words before Joshua began leading the Hebrews.  They hadn't yet reached the promised land. Verse 6 says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified..., for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Wherever we are, we aren't alone.  I love Psalm 139:7-10: "Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."  No matter what you're facing today--be it a puzzling

patient, a difficult family situation, or just struggling to make it through the week, remember Who calls you also walks beside you.