Our 2nd part to our series on Neuronal tumors features a much more aggressive and destructive pathology: Plexiform Neurofibromas. This will be one of my most dense posts, but it is filled with interesting pictures and videos. So, grab a coffee and enjoy. Remember that the 3rd case here is the clinical perspective of my … Continue reading Nerve Tumors Part Two: Naughty Neurofibromas (of the plexiform variety) →

Why Me!? The rooster sounds off to alarm me that the day is supposed to begin, but I’m already awake. My precious daughter of 13 years has suffered all night. She struggles to catch enough air when lying down. Placing a couple of tef bags under her thin mattress sitting on our cold dirt floor … Continue reading The Other Side of Things →

I started writing this post about a month ago when I was entering the final month of my year-long journey in Mekelle. I was having issues with setting up work in the states. Frustrated and annoyed, I partially wrote this post and am now finishing it today. As many of you know, when I first … Continue reading Questioning Myself →

In just 1 year, I’ve seen 10x the number of nerve-related tumors than I have in my 11 years of medical training. Each has similar characteristics, but everyone is unique and full of learning points. I’ll group 5 different cases into two posts: Schwannomas and Plexiform Neurofibromas. Today we will begin with the more light-hearted … Continue reading Nerve Tumors Part One: Sly Schwannomas →

With just about a year’s experience of the weather in Mekelle, my body has received enough operant training to predict the weather. Sitting atop the 10th floor of the tallest building in Mekelle (that I have access to) I peer just over the top of her stadium. A currently empty concrete bowl. To it’s right … Continue reading Rain — A year later →

You guessed it! I’m having issues obtaining yet another Visa. I feel like I’m losing my mind.   I wasn’t going to announce this yet, but I’ve decided to make another trip over to Mali before I depart Ethiopia for now. There are a couple of pediatric patients there that require some advanced surgery and … Continue reading More Visa Trouble →

As I write this, I only have a month and a half left in my year here. I plan on returning to the states for a couple months to maintain my credentialing and earn some money so I can return to Ethiopia in the winter. As it's becoming clear to me that our work here … Continue reading Empowerment ≠ Responsibility →