ENT DR trip - first couple days

I arrived anxious and with really no idea about what to expect. I had done my research on the country, its people, and their history, but still I wondered how the clinic, OR, and post-op would function, how many patients we would see, how well I could communicate with the patients, what kind of care they would receive, and how well our group would work together. I knew the 7 other students, but did not know much about the 30-some other attendings, residents, and nurses.
Fortunately, the ILAC center is a well-organized and resourceful place. The planners and administration for the trip also did a great job ensuring we had all the supplies necessary. We spent our first day unpacking and getting the OR ready for action. We also screened many patients and developed an OR schedule for the first day. We finished the day getting to know everyone better and went to bed anxious for our first big day.
On OR day 1/clinic day 2, I spent the day in clinic. I had my own room to see patients and a translator to boot! Our translators were all PeaceCorp volunteers in the DR, and they were invaluable resources for understanding language, culture, and customs. They were instrumental in the success of our trip! We saw so many patients in clinic. As soon as one was finished, the next was quickly ushered in without any delay. I performed the exam and presented to the attending, and then we set the patient up with either medical therapy or scheduled them for an operation for the week. All in all, it ran very efficiently.
The OR likewise ran efficiently. Interestingly, before each patient was led back to the operating room, all the people said a prayer and applauded the patient. I can't imagine the fear that some of the patients and families had. I know I would be fearful going into surgery by doctors who I did not know, with whom I could not personally communicate, and who I would likely never see again.