Today was our first day shadowing at the community hospital in Okhaldhunga. Our day began with breakfast and rounding with the doctors through the different wards. One group went to the general ward (ICU, surgical, etc) and the other went to pediatrics and maternity. This was a great opportunity to ask the doctors about the specifics of each case and the treatment plans for the day. After this, our group enjoyed a much needed tea break where many of us tried samosas for the first time! Following this, we toured the entire hospital and got a chance to ask many questions about the specific units. For lunch, we ate dal bhat and chatted about our experiences so far.

Then came our time in the outpatient units. Each one of us was assigned to a different doctor to observe their time with patients in the afternoon. The options for the day were emergency, ultrasound, general medicine, and optometry. Following this, our group gathered with one of the doctors here (Dr. John from Australia) to ask questions about things were learned and observed. And we continued this as a group, asking Dr. Beels further questions about the patients we encountered.

Beth and Dr. Beels then shared about their previous time in Okhaldhunga with the current staff who appreciated hearing about the foundation they built for the hospital we saw today. Because there were a handful of sick people in our group today, only a few made it to dinner and devotions. As we continue on this week, please continue to pray for good health and energy as we plan to travel and trek during the next few days.