Random Musings From Gaza City

• Dozens of ambulances like the one above were hit. The ambulance depot was destroyed.
  
• Anesthesiologist, Dr. Ismail Mehr participated in a mandible resection. He worked with another volunteer surgeon from abroad.
  
• While touring a medical facility, Dr. Imran Qureshi was quickly able to make a diagnosis by CT Scan, in a suspected stroke patient. Fortunately, Dr. Qureshi was at hand as there was no other Radiologist in the hospital. There are only 2 CT scanners in all of Gaza--for a population of 1.5 million. In comparison, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN has 23 scanners of its own.
  
• Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Shariq Sayeed is in high demand. He constructed fistulas for Dialysis patients. There are few, if any physicians able to perform this in Gaza. Alot of long-term and chronic care needs have been put on hold to deal with acute trauma cases. The American team's expertise is helping with this.
  
• The Palestinians have been extremely hospitable to the American-led contingent. Although the group is sponsored by IMANA, the team will treat all patients regardless of their race, ethnicity, or religion. Whether Arab or Israeli, the doctors view the patient as a person, and will heal and help in any way they can.