Today was our first day at our clinical site: Moca! The first challenge was, well, getting there. We barely made it, and the price changed with each trip on the guagua (poor Lisa got charged an extra 10 pesos... maybe because she's taller? anyway)... We made it. We put on our white coats, name tags, and met our rehabilitation director, Rosa. With nothing clear but our communication barrier, we sat in silence and sipped on coffee stronger than Schwarzennager (sp?) Rosa's first question for us was 'What is your objective here?' Ummmmmm. 'We are here to serve'... 'have more coffee'
So then our day began. We paired up to follow various PTs at the clinic, and were a BIT unsure of the work-flow of the clinic (again, clear communication barrier). The morning consisted of observing, jumping in to treat patients (communication barrier) according to their treatment plan (communication barrier) and to the discretion of the primary therapist (communication barrier)....
One specific moment was a particular highlight and summation of our service for the day. Amy and I were tagging along with a PT who was seeing a patient for neck and low back pain (we think)... as we followed the PT like ducklings into the small treatment room, there was a quick exchange between PT/patient... and our PT quickly left the room with a lightning speed closure of the curtain behind her (we took this as a sign that we were not to go with her...) so we stayed. Little did we know, the PT was actually leaving the patient alone to CHANGE OUT OF HER CLOTHES. It was when she began this process, that we realized it was time for us to leave also... (communication barrier)
We calmly left the room and stepped into the next room, to laugh hysterically.
We later found helpful phrases and pictures on the wall... for the communication barrier....
But overall we felt a little under-qualified to be wearing our white coats with such a hefty language barrier. All in all it was good day. We learned about the depth and breadth of our communication barrier, and most importantly realized the importance of keeping an open mind and good humor at the forefront of any treatment we offer. What we learned from today's whirlwind feel, was that amidst the difficulties that come with not speaking the same language, we are given the challenge and privilege to rely on human interaction. We are very much looking forward to more laughter and relationships with the gifted therapists and welcoming patients at the facility. We can't wait to see what tomorrow brings... stay tuned. BUENOS NOCHES!!!!!!
So then our day began. We paired up to follow various PTs at the clinic, and were a BIT unsure of the work-flow of the clinic (again, clear communication barrier). The morning consisted of observing, jumping in to treat patients (communication barrier) according to their treatment plan (communication barrier) and to the discretion of the primary therapist (communication barrier)....
One specific moment was a particular highlight and summation of our service for the day. Amy and I were tagging along with a PT who was seeing a patient for neck and low back pain (we think)... as we followed the PT like ducklings into the small treatment room, there was a quick exchange between PT/patient... and our PT quickly left the room with a lightning speed closure of the curtain behind her (we took this as a sign that we were not to go with her...) so we stayed. Little did we know, the PT was actually leaving the patient alone to CHANGE OUT OF HER CLOTHES. It was when she began this process, that we realized it was time for us to leave also... (communication barrier)
We calmly left the room and stepped into the next room, to laugh hysterically.
We later found helpful phrases and pictures on the wall... for the communication barrier....
But overall we felt a little under-qualified to be wearing our white coats with such a hefty language barrier. All in all it was good day. We learned about the depth and breadth of our communication barrier, and most importantly realized the importance of keeping an open mind and good humor at the forefront of any treatment we offer. What we learned from today's whirlwind feel, was that amidst the difficulties that come with not speaking the same language, we are given the challenge and privilege to rely on human interaction. We are very much looking forward to more laughter and relationships with the gifted therapists and welcoming patients at the facility. We can't wait to see what tomorrow brings... stay tuned. BUENOS NOCHES!!!!!!
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