I will be providing education on the benefits of bubble CPAP in preterm infants and training nurses and physicians on proper implementation. I will also rotate on the general pediatric wards. I will be supervised by the medical staff at Nazarene General Hospital.
Working in Papua New Guinea will provide a unique learning opportunity to further my development in patient care, medical knowledge, communication, and professionalism while being introduced to a different health system. I will also practice clinical skills in a low-resource environment and navigate cross-cultural patient encounters, skills which will serve me well as I continue a career in global health.
My objectives while working at Nazarene General Hospital are as follows:
1. Demonstrate the ability to take a culturally-aware, focused medical history with an awareness of local public health and environmental issues that influence presentation of disease
2. Identify barriers to patient compliance and care when creating a treatment plan
3. Gain an appreciation for how cultural and socioeconomic differences impact medical care in a resource poor setting
4. Support educational efforts at Nazarene General Hospital
I will be working in the Nursery/NICU to implement bubble CPAP in preterm infants with respiratory distress. I have chosen to work on this specific project due to my interest in completing a NICU fellowship.
The aim is to decrease mortality in preterm infants secondary to respiratory distress.
There is a high likelihood of sustainability. I would like to complete a second global health rotation during my third year of training. I will also work to establish a relationship with Nazarene General Hospital and will share my experience with other physicians at UNC in hopes that others can work with the hospital in the future. I also hope to keep in contact with the hospital and participate in research.
