The students enjoying Baby Ravi

Baby "Ravi" and the Newborn Exam

Meet Baby Ravi

Yesterday we were blessed to have Vina (my translator) bring her 9 week old baby to class so we could do a newborn examination. Although precious Ravi is really an infant now, we were able to show the students how to do a proper exam on a real baby ...not just simulating using a baby doll. Thank-you Vina!

Teaching in Cambodia: Care of the Neonate after delivery

This week, I will be teaching all about the neonate to the Cambodian Medical, Midwifery and Nursing students. They are most grateful for the participatory teaching. At the end of the week, we will present them with a completion certificate.

Sonja Kill Memorial Pediatric Hospital in Kampot

Nurses triage

Flower of the day

I spent this weekend with Dr Dale and Nancy Knutson in Kampot. Last night we stayed at the Sonja Kill  Memorial Pediatric Hospital residence quarters so Dale could see patients today.Children with dengue and pertussis, and other illnesses were seen by Dale and another pediatrician.

   "In a country like Cambodia, where the child mortality is among the highest in Asia and where 9 out of 100 children do not reach their 5th birthday, thousands of children are dying every year from tuberculosis, malaria, dengue fever, respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases because there is no adequate medical treatment available."
   http://www.skmh.org/en/index.html

Maternity Department at Kampot Provincial Referral Hospital

Newborn Baby

Cambodian Nursing students in Kampot Province

Students preparing their meals

Dorm Room

Today I spoke to the Nursing students at the Kampot Regional Training Center in Kampot Province. A tour of the school followed led by Director Mr. Samnang. There are over 670 nursing and midwifery students and all have paid scholarships from the government.

Last weekend in Battanbang

Reunited with a friend......

Svong Davy and her parents

What a surprise! Tonight I was reunited with my translator, Svong Davy (from a previous trip to Cambodia.) She will graduate from Kampot RTC Midwifery program in just 6 months! I am so proud of you!

Mercer University students have arrived in Kampot!

Nurse Practitioner students and Nursing students

Milki, Dean Dr Bina and Dr Dale

Nancy and I celebrating IU Medical School graduation with the "graduates"

Tonight we held a welcome dinner and reception for the Mercer medical, nursing and pharmacy students who arrived from Georgia (USA) with their faculty. Delicious Khmer food and drink and fellowship was enjoyed by all.

Kampot Pepper Plantations

Did you know that Parisian chefs consider Kampot (province in Cambodia) pepper the best in the world for its uniquely strong yet delicate aroma and its slightly sweet flavor? It comes in 4 varieties -green, black, red and white. All of the varieties come from the same plant and are just different stages of the plants maturity.  I learned this today while visiting the pepper plantations with Dale and Nancy.

Buddhist Monks

Buddhism is the state religion in Cambodia and therefore Buddhist monks are greatly respected here. Each day the monks make their rounds begging for food and alms.

Iced Coffee Cambodian style

I have been enjoying iced coffee here in Cambodia. The beverage is made with sweetened condensed milk and is oh so good!