PMH Needs

We started the day reviewing a very interesting case of disseminated tuberculosis in morning report. The case had been a conundrum, and review of the data and autopsy findings were very elucidating.
I am working to advance echocardiography at Princess Marina Hospital. Not only am I doing an average of 4-5 echoes/day (thanks to MMC echo staff who diligently trained me) but the value of objective data in patient diagnosis and management has been exceptional. I talked with the equipment distributor for cardiac ultrasound and ECG monitoring, and I believe that the HD 11 machine I have been using could be acquired by the hospital for a very reasonable fee. I also have identified a radiography technician who is eager to become an echo tech, and hope that the electronics distributor will be willing to sponsor a 3-month training opportunity for her in South Africa. This would allow a permanent high-quality echo lab to be established at Princess Marina Hospital, which would raise the level of cardiology services here.
On the home-front, we're making plans to go to the Okavanga Delta next weekend, and are eager to see another face of Botswana, very different from the Chobe environment. This is a part of an inland waterway that floods each rainy season - the birds and wildlife are supposed to be fantastic. We will fly to Maun and then take another light plane into the camp. We are benefiting from being here during the "green season" when rates are somewhat lower and we qualify as "residents."