Today was devoted to getting ourselves from Cali to Pereira, a 3.5 hour bus ride comfortably managed by our local Rotarian hosts, becoming familiar with the hospital setting and preparing for tomorrow's pre-op clinic.
Many of us gathered in the hospital conference room for welcoming remarks from the hospital administrator, our Rotarian hosts, and our mission director.
Final business of the day was our organizational meeting. Dr. Ron Gemberling, Medical Director at the head of the table, led a one and half hour lively conversation to assure that all facets of our team are in sync. It's truly amazing to witness 18 medical professionals who are tops in their fields of surgery, anesthesiology, operating room and post operative nursing collaborate on procedures that will enable us to make the most efficient use of our time for maximum productive outcomes on the greatest number of patients.
The nonmedical volunteers participate in critical areas of medical records, managing our equipment (quartermaster), sterilization of equipment, patient ward coordination and photographic documentation.
The call is out for all hands on deck at 7:00 am tomorrow, ready to walk a most convenient one block to our opening day, pre-op clinic. We can't wait to meet our patients and their families.
Jerry Meshulam, Photojournalist