We all sit in the conference room following surgery, another delicious lunch and lectures.  As the discussion turns to the need for pediatric urology in Senegal, our host, Professor Gueye, asks who among the young doctors present wants to specialize in pediatrics.  Although this part of the discussion is in French, we all understand what is being asked and what it means for our mission in senegal.  Immediately, two hands go up.  Then another.  Then two more!  This could be the beginning of something monumental.

Later that night we lighten things up by practicing clapping to the beat of the Bee Gees 'Stayin Alive' for Heidi's lecture (still trying to figure that one out).  I hope lives never depend on the sense of rhythm of some of our less musical team members (mainly mine).

As many know, the night life and music scene in Dakar are legendary...and what better way to rest up after a long day of surgery and lectures than to go to a raucus club until 4:00 in the morning?  At least we're learning the latest dance moves, though some of us should think about taking up lessons (or a vow to never disgrace another dance floor) prior to the next trip).  "Wow wow oui wow!"  Truthfully, the artists here are amazing.

The workshop continues to go well with so much participation it can be hard to squeeze around the table for a peek.

This workshop marks IVUmed's first multi-national surgical workshop in West Africa.  Physicians from at least 10 countries are in attendance, most of whom will return to their home countries following their training in Dakar.  They will take with them the skills the learn from our medical volunteers.   This is an excellent sit for such an exciting development.  The hospital has over 25 urology residents. 

The first day involved evaluating patients and planning for a very busy week.  Our team will serve over 20 children, provide hands-on training to over two dozen surgeons and give multiple lectures.

One issue that has arisen during our first few days of surgery is the appearance of girls suffering from conditions that could potentially lead to their ostracism from their communities.  Our team's fellow, Regina, got emotional when realizing the amazing difference she had made in one girl's life.  "She would have been shunned," she said, "but now she has a chance."  Our mission is to make these life-changing surgeries available to people everywhere. 

The trip is finally over. The last day in Tapachula, we rounded on our remaining patients, and then spent the rest of the day exploring the city.  Tapachula is a bit different from a lot of cities I've visited in Mexico, in that there are almost no American or touristy places.  It's also a good bit poorer, as is frequently seen in southern Mexico, meaning there are a lot of people making ends meet by selling wares on the street.  We visited the museum in the town square which detailed the Olmec history of the area and its former glory.  We ended the day with a dinner at the hotel and getting ready for the long trip back.

After a layover in Mexico City where we all said our goodbyes (except myself and Grant, we flew on the same plane to ATL), I finally made it back home intact.  In all, we performed 44 cases in 5 days with few morbidities, no mortalities, and a boatload of memories to last a lifetime.  I expanding my surgical armamentarium, refreshed my spirit, and grew as a person from this experience.  I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity given to me by IVU, GHO and CMDA.  This trip has reaffirmed my decision to take care of those most in need, and my desire to do this at home and abroad.

I'm glad to be home amongst my friends and family, and I hope you enjoy the pics.

Peace, Love, Kelvin

At the end of one week Matt and I probably assisted/performed ~44 cases combined - everything from anatrophic nephrolithotomies to lap adrenalectomy to mitrofanoff diversion and varicocelectomies.  The majority of cases revolve around stone disease with other pathology sprinkled in.  The retroperitoneal surgical skills of the urologist here in Vietnam, whether lap or open, continue to impress us as well as their speed in the OR.  The efficiency of the OR is also quite impressive- one patient is barely out of the room before the next one walks in with IV bag in hand and gets situated for anesthesia (if only this happened in the US). 

Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming and excited to practice speaking english with us.  We've become fairly adept at getting around the city and crossing the street without risking limb from a moped collision.  This past weekend we were invited to take a trip with the GU department to the "Highlands" about 2-3 hrs by car north of Ho Chi Minh City.  We worked a 1/2 day Saturday and the departed arriving early evening to a bonfire and cook-out Vietnamese style in the fresh air of the 'Highlands'.  Cuisine included grilled shrimp, small wild birds (like pheasant?) - head included, squid kabobs and large chicken feet among other things.  We went for a hike and jeep ride to see ancient caves, the bamboo forest, rode horses and went swimming as well.  overall a great break from the city minus the dicey highway driving that can occur in Vietnam.

 Have lots of great pictures to post and will do so upon return to the US in several days.  In the meantime, will continue to enjoy the great operative experience and sights of this fascinating city.