A 3-hour drive along a very rocky road that involved driving across 2 rivers brought us ultimately to the town of Mombin-Crochu and the local Hospital. Driving through the Haitian countryside provides a glimpse into the lives of the people who live in areas that are very difficult to access by truck or car. Goats graze along the banks of the roads tied by ropes to stakes in the ground, chickens run freely and occasionally a cow or two will amble across the road in front of the truck.
One could imagine how difficult it would be for a member of one of these small rural communities to access a medical center in case of emergency. On many days during the rainy season we were told that the road becomes entirely impassable.
Our goal was to establish the Brian and Victoria Klein Clinic, screen women from the Mombin-Crochu community, and certify the clinic staff that had already attended the didactic training session given by CCC/IMC Nurse AnneMarie. When we arrived at the hospital, we were warmly greeted by administrators: “Comme si vous étiez chez vous” (translated as “as if you were at home”). We were then directed to the room designated to be the “See and Treat” clinic.
We set up three stations and began seeing patients immediately as there were already many women registered and waiting. It was great to see that the community outreach workers and the hospital staff had effectively spread the word and encouraged women in the community to come get screened.
Our wonderful trainees were Dr. Louis Jean René, Nurse Cherline Bauduy , and Nurse Derniela Pierre. Each took a station and began screening patients.
Dr. René received his training in Cuba, considered by many to be the “Harvard of the Caribbean” when it comes to medical education. His great intelligence, skill and dedication were immediately apparent. He is practicing in Haiti because he says that he is most needed here. Nurse Cherline has been working as the head nurse of this hospital for 8 years. She has a depth of experience in women’s health issues including labor and delivery. Nurse Derniela is a younger addition to the hospital staff but did not miss a beat when she picked up a speculum and began seeing patients.
All three trainees performed “See and Treat” with confidence and precision. They also truly understood the benefit of early detection and the incredible ability to avoid the tragic loss of life from a preventable disease.
The day ended with our graduation ceremony and presentation of training certificates. We are confident that the Brian and Victoria Klein Clinic is staffed by well-trained and highly competent professionals who will continue to offer these life-saving services. They have already registered women for screening next Wednesday and every Wednesday hereafter.
