Written by Dr. Scott Ruhlman
I had the privilege in March of serving at Tenwick Hospital, Bomet Kenya. I was nervous about going as this was quite a new experience for me and I was traveling during the midst of their national elections, which 4 years earlier was quite violent with thousands killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. I was relieved to have a very smooth trip with no major problems. The country was quite beautiful and the people are very generous and accommodating.
Just about a 4-hour drive out of Nairobi, Tenwick Hospital is a rural 300- bed hospital serving a very large undeserved area.
The hospital employs over 500 local Kenyan workers and has significant international support. World Medical Mission supports the hospital with logistics and helps volunteers travel to Tenwick and that is how I got involved to help with their Orthopedic Surgical load.
There were many fractures and infections when I arrived and a team of Kenyan residents and surgeons who were certainly grateful for the additional help. I was able to operate every day, performing between 3-5 surgeries, working with the resident and attending surgeons to help teach them techniques I often use. Not surprisingly, they taught me so much about themselves, their culture, techniques, and how to perform fairly sophisticated surgery with often less than ideal equipment.
Overall, it was a very positive experience and I plan on going back, perhaps even with my family. The Kenyan people were very enjoyable and genuine and the country has many beautiful areas and safaris that will be fun to explore in the future.
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