Shoes, crickets and of course...babies!

So I have had quite an interesting week, inside and outside of CMC! On Tuesday after a day spent in the MICU (mentioned by Yinan below, I attached a pic of a typical bed here), Yinan, Sarah and I ventured to CMC Main campus. We had a few errands to run, met up with our new Canadian friend and discovered the very well-stocked Campus Store! They have EVERYTHING- monkeys (outside, and they do NOT like to have their pictures taken!), oreos, shampoo, noodles, and lucky for me, a way to finally re-fill my cell phone!

On our way out, we decided to catch the bus back to our place (only 3 rps, a steal!). Unfortunately for the three of us, my shoes were not ready to leave. When I stepped on the bus, one of my shoes stayed behind and the bus took off!!!! After a bit of arguing with the bus driver, they finally stopped for us to get off. Then the hobbling began. As Yinan ran back to try and find my shoe, I walked back (at this point, only wearing one shoe!) with Sarah to the bus stand where we had to wait and catch the bus once again. Luckily the CMC Security guard saved my shoe behind the guard booth and Yinan got it for me and all was well. Embarrassing moment #1.

On Wednesday night after another day in the MICU (where we saw a person who was bitten by a poisonous snake causing paralysis), we met with other CMC International students at the rooftop restaurant at our hotel (the other students claim it has the best food in the whole city). It was a great time minus the moment when a cricket landed on my shoulder. Sarah casually mentioned to Jen (sitting next to me) that there was something on my shoulder. Jen reacted, and ran away from me! Which of course, startled me and I ran screaming the other way looking frantically around for the bug since no one would tell me exactly where it was! Finally, Norman (one of the students from Singapore) yelled that it was on my bag strap and I threw it on the ground. It landed with the cricket still sitting on it. Embarrassing moment #2!

Yesterday (thursday) and today I moved from the MICU to OB-Gyn/Labor and delivery. I was assigned with a great team, which was actually expecting me! Everyone knew I was the elective student and they all showed me where to go! I was lucky and in addition to Dr. Kishore in the MICU (ultrasound guru), I met Dr. Santosh who is another great teacher (and quizzer! I guess I should get used to being put on the spot!). After watching 2 surgeries (laproscopic tubal ligation and a vault prolapse repair) I ventured over to labor and delivery and found alexis. Babies... everywhere! Dr. Krupa was great, asking us questions and explaining so much about why things are done they way they are in their ward.

Today I was assigned with Dr. Santosh again and was in the out-patient clinic, after first making fun of me for taking notes (so I could share stories with all of the girls later, of course), he taught me so much about the health system in India, barriers to care, how they have to diagnose and treat completely depending on the funds and resources available... not a common thought in the US. It was exactly the type of information I have been waiting to hear all week, the public health side of medicine in India. Hopefully I can find out more next week while at the rural clinics.

Enjoy the pics attached: a shopping area called Gandhi Rd, view from the rooftop restaurant, a typical "to-go" canteen lunch (sambhar rice and chips), the MICU and a map of the hospital campus.

Shivani