PVHC: Physician Biographies

We participated in a time honored Navy tradition...the crossing of the line; this refers to crossing the equator which occurred 8/18 while en route from Tarakan to Kupang. While traditionally limited to Navy personnel, in an effort to integrate all groups on board and foster
camaraderie, we were allowed to partake in a subdued version (for our safety) but quite effective ceremony transforming us from "pollywogs" to "shellbacks".

We were awakened at 5:30 a.m. mustered at 6 a.m. in the casualty receiving area; as a group all the civilians were escorted to the flight deck for a proper salt water hosing, an adventure through obstacle courses of vigorous activities and antics, more salt water dunking, and then presented to King Neptune's royal court for his sanctioning of our worthiness to go through the evolutionary transformation from slimy, pathetic WOGS to trusty, crusty SHELLBACKS. We are a little old for initiations but it was a fun experience and we feel privileged to have had the opportunity; the Navy personnel endured a much more laborious transition! We have official Navy certificates as souvenirs and proof of our passage.

All is well.

Nick and Madelyn

We have just spent a rewarding week in Tarakan, Indonesia on the northeast side of Borneo in the Celebes Sea. This was advertised as a conservative Muslim area with a higher terrorist threat than our first site in Banda Aceh, primarily the risk of kidnapping. With that in mind and lots of security by the Navy, we were allowed to go to shore on Saturday 8/12 to be part of a clinic triaging patients for surgery aboard the Mercy. The patients are pre-screened by outreach medical clinics, put on a list and sent to the hospital setting where we were to see all the surgical specialists. The majority of the presenting problems are cleft lip/palates, large goiters/thyroids, cataracts, dental problems, large hernias, breast lumps including cancers, complex gynecologic abdominal masses of the ovaries and uterus and several congenital abnormalities. The people are very gracious and grateful for care. The lines are long and the look on their faces when they cannot be seen due to limitations of services is heartbreaking.

Once seen, no matter whether we can help them or not they are very thankful of our consideration. One lady carrying her 12 yr. old cerebral palsy child’s only request was for a wheelchair which we were able to provide in the form of a makeshift deck chair on wheels. Once processed as a candidate for surgery, the patients and one escort wait to be boarded on small boats out to the Mercy ship anchored about 3-4 miles off shore. It is many times a harrowing rough ride out. All of these steps towards surgery take time and many hours of waiting on their part. It is very hot and humid; they bring few if any personal items with them for an unpredictable length of stay on board. I’m so amazed at their trust and fortitude. They never complain about anything.

Nick & I seem to have gained credibility & the confidence of the Navy surgeons as we have finally been allowed to have our own schedule of patients and operate together. Most of the previous times we had been assisting or observing because of the overstaffing of surgeons as compared to the number of anesthesia providers…Chris & Andy we sure need you! We said goodbye to our patients in Tarakan this morning as they departed for shore after photographs, hugs and many good wishes. The interpreters we have been working with are incredible in their devotion and assistance always there on the wards 24-7 assisting with communication issues.

Nick & Madelyn