As most of you know, I am the most "anti social-networker". In fact, I probably don't deserve the term "anti social-networker", as I don't "social-network" at all. Starting this blog is a major step for me. Nonetheless, this is the easiest way to share all my experiences and photos with everyone at once. But you all know that already. I'm such a late-adopter.
For those who don't know, I am leaving for Uganda tomorrow night, November 2, to conduct my Masters' thesis research. I am doing a qualitative interview-based case study exploring the barriers to access of orthopaedic medical devices in developing countries. Perhaps in the future, the results from this work will help improve access to orthopaedic care in low-resource settings, and help alleviate the growing global burden of injuries and road traffic accidents.
"At 3900ft" is the name of this blog. It is the elevation of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. This is where I will be based. I am staying mostly at the Mulago Guest House which rests on Mulago Hill. Mulago Hill houses Makerere University and the only university hospital in Uganda, Mulago Hospital. From here, I will travel north, south, east and west of the capital to visit additional clinics and hospitals.
This is a link to a google map of Uganda with a few locations highlighted. It tries to give you an idea of where I'll be, or think I'll be, over the next six weeks.
http://maps.google.com/maps/
Within a few days of arriving, I should have internet and a mobile phone. I have Skype too! With the time difference, I will be 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. After the time change however, I will be eight hours ahead. Feel free to contact me at anytime!
My next post will likely come from the home of Dr. Patrick Sekimpi. He has kindly offered me a room until mine becomes available at the Guest House on the 6th. He is the Orthopaedics Trauma Director and the Orthopaedics Residency Program Director at Makerere. In true African spirit, to my question of where a good hotel might be to stay, he answered: "my house". When I asked him what was the safest method of getting from the airport to Kampala, he answered: "I will pick you up". I look forward to my return to Africa, to meeting the welcoming and generous people of Uganda, to my opportunity to further bridge orthopaedics and global health, and for the chance of spotting a few gorillas!
Until next time from Kampala at 3900 ft,
Maryse
(Don't worry, I will customize the blog as time goes on!)
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