Going to Rwanda for the first time, our “regular” October members included Dr. Joan Blomquist, Dr. Aditya Dash,
Dr. Jeffrey Freed, Dr. David Glazier, Dr. Sharon Knight, Dr. Soo Kwon, Dr. Andrew Smith, Janet Dewan, Nurse Anesthetist, and Nurses Suzy Arencibia and Melanie Haller. New to IOWD were Dr. Eric Fassler, Dr. James Greenberg, Dr. Darla Klokeid, Dr. Abner Korn, Dr. Gene Kramolowsky, Dr. Bill Morgan and Dr. Ralph Pennino.
One hundred and twelve patients were waiting for us and every woman was examined. We had the use of a new building on the grounds of Kibagabaga for our exams, the anesthesia consultations and for housing the patients. Originally built for drug resistant TB patients, the Minister of Health provided the building for our use in April and again in October. Beds, mattresses, sheets, blankets were moved quickly to accommodate the patients. Rwandan nurses were assigned to care for the post operative patients. Cleaning crews came down all day to keep the rooms and bathrooms perfectly clean. The patients couldn’t have been more comfortable than they were…the Kibagabaga staff were wonderful and assisted us in every detail.