Practice News
 A Busman's Holiday continued!Wednesday 25th February, 2009
So on to Southern Uganda and the small, very poor town of Kisoro. A slight (!)contrast from the tropical islands: a poor, dusty town in landlocked Uganda, set in the foot of three impressive volcanoes.
Kisoro is a very pretty but very poor town and it became apparent very quickly that in a place where food, water and electricity were in very short supply for people, a small animal vet was probably a little surplus to requirements! Fortunately though, Kisoro is full of welcoming, positive and enthusiastic locals, who when I offered my help were only too pleased to accept!
So 2 days later I found myself in front of a class of 11 and 12 year olds, expectantly looking at their new science and maths teacher! Just think of it as a consultation I told myself, its all about explaining things….OK, I had to speak a little more slowly so they could understand (and laugh at) my English accent but over the weeks I was there, they learned all about the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, husbandry of cattle, poultry and reproduction. Much amusement was generated when I brought in a stethoscope and blood pressure monitor, and a huge amount of gratitude when I brought in a whole supply of books and pens at the end of my time.
The other 3 days a week found me in the local government hospital. Again, just by offering my help I soon found myself scrubbing up to assist with caesarian sections, inguinal hernias, lump removals and stitch ups (of which, due to the slightly erratic motorbike driving habits of the locals there were many!) Take a very busy local hospital with, in all honesty, not enough doctors, and the help of a vet suddenly became very useful! Having 8 years of general surgical experience, I was amazed just how similar the jobs were, the surgical handling, techniques and equipment were identical, the main difference being that I was less likely to get bitten!! Obviously a big problem in Uganda is the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but as a country the government has really tried to increase awareness, and this included us going into schools with doctors and talking to children who are all too sadly aware of the disease and its consequences. A large weekly clinic at the hospital dealt with sufferers and medications.
I was totally moved by the warmth and humility with which the Ugandans showed towards me, their ability to accept help graciously and the generosity shown towards me given how much I have in comparison to how little they have. My time in Uganda went far too quickly, and taught me a lot, I learned being a vet wasn’t all about being a vet, the skills we get taught are useful in so may more ways than ‘just’ in a consulting or operating room, the ability to adapt to the situation as it arises, to be able to explain and teach information, and so importantly the ability to communicate.
Sounds gushy, but I definitely came back to work realising how lucky I am, and how much more there is to do to help, both animals and people. Now if I can just work out when my next holiday is....
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