Frequently Asked Questions.....

Q: Are you a doctor yet?
A: Yes. I graduated with my M.D. from UCSD in 2006 and I'm licensed to practice in the state of California.

Q: What's a residency?
A: For those of you who don't watch Scrubs and Grey's Anatomy, residency is specialty training after medical school. I'm starting year 3 of a 5-year general surgery training program. I will likely do two years of research as well, which means I won't be a surgeon until 2013. So for all of you asking if I'm almost done....I'm not.

Q: Surgeon? So, you're rich, right?
A: Um... no.

Q: Why Nigeria?
A: Dr. Ardill, the surgeon with whom I will be working in Jos, worked last year at the VA hospital in San Diego, where we do a large part of our training. He is regarded by all of the residents as an excellent teacher and had great pictures of all of the work he is doing in Nigeria. I seized the opportunity before he left the U.S. to ask if I could come work with him, and he said yes.

Q: Have you ever been to Africa?
A: No. I've traveled a bit in Central and South America and Europe, but Africa is a new experience.

Q: Are you going alone?
A: Yes. Once I'm in Nigeria, of course, I will have the support of Dr. Ardill and his family, along with the Nigerian hospital staff.

Q: Is Regan coming with you?
A: Regan thinks this question is hysterical, because she has no interest in coming to Nigeria with me. When she's a little older I'm sure I'll find a way to include her on overseas trips if she has the interest, but this fall she'll be tackling a more difficult land--7th grade.

Q: What are you going to do about your freakish exercise habit while you're in Nigeria?
A: I'm not sure. Pray for patience? Find a new Nigerian friend to run with me?

Donations for Evangel Hospital

Prior to my departure in September, I am hoping to raise the money for 2 new blood pressure monitors and 2 pulse oximeters that are much needed by Evangel hospital. The total cost for this is $3400. To donate, please follow the link below and mark your contribution as designated for Nigeria: Evangel Hospital, and select "Ministry Account" on the pull-down tab.

https://apps.easydraft.com/Payment/SIM/SIMinUS.asp

Any questions/problems with the online donation please contact me and I'll make sure that your money goes where it is needed.

Welcome to my blog!

I have, until this time, resisted the urge to keep the world updated on my minute-to-minute activities via a blog. However, in this case I think that it's justified. It will remain a work-in-progress for a few weeks, so keep checking back for more information. I promise to post pictures soon!