Mission trip to the Dominican Republic - Day 4 - Juan Bosch Hospital, Last full day of surgery

The end is near...

​The bus was scheduled a half our later to pick us at 7 am, but even with the extra half our of sleep it was rough to get out of bed. A little Starbucks instant heated in the hotel lobby microwave helped and soon we were trundling down the bumpy highway once again.

A cramped bus, typical of our daily transportation

​Right out of the gate I was running gun between 4 OR’s, getting pickup shots and capturing some great footage of Dr. Duwelius visiting patients on the floor. The highlight was when he entered Samuel's room to a great hello and thank you! The surgery Paul preformed on this young man you can tell is life changing. Hand shakes and hugs we exchanged heartily with Samuel's father and mother, how rewarding to see there appreciation.

Dr. Duwelius and Samual

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I spent the rest of the day doing some time laps shoots which was nice because once setup I just had to monitor them so it wasn't as physical as the other days. My body was aching! The last time laps was to capture an entire case, the last case we had for this trip as it turned out. It also was I think the longest. I was more then ready to pack it up at the end.

A sample of my time laps videos...

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We headed back for our last night at Hotel Ray, to change and party. Tonight was an appreciation dinner put on by the hospital and many dances were had by all with the staff we had worked so hard with all week.

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After the party a few of us, me included, decided to have one last hurrah and go out. Marty, one of the St. Lewis team anesthesiologists who is bilingual got wind of some of the locals meeting at the Gas Station. Interesting name for a club but ok lets go… turns out it was an actual gas station which are popular hangouts. You get a cervesa in the mini mart and hang out. Not so much for us LOL. We hopped back on the bus back to the hotel and ended up dancing at the disco tech located in the ground floor of the hotel which as it so happens was responsible in part for a few sleepless nights for those on that side of the hotel. I guess my rooster wasn't so bad after all.

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​I tried to keep pace with the younger dancers in the group and was told I “tore it up” (I think they were humoring me). While I made a valiant effort, I was exhausted and glad to return to my awaiting bed and sleep.