When most people are asked why they decided to be a doctor, the answer almost always includes something along the lines of wanting to help people. And it’s true. At least it is for a majority of us, including me. As a doctor, patients come to you for solutions. They come to you to fix them. Well despite your best efforts, there are times you feel like your hands are tied.
I have been involved in a case over the last few days that has very much troubled me. A young village girl was involved in a terrible accident, secondary to a chronic medical issue, and suffered debilitating injury. As explained in my previous post, significant appearance differences can lead to banning from a village. This is exactly what happened in this young girl’s case, as her disfigurement was not socially accepted.
From her orphanage she received a sponsor, whom has been attempting to aid her in receiving treatment to correct her physical deformities. Unfortunately, she has been denied by the best surgeons in Uganda. Their only recommendation they can offer is a psychiatrist, ultimately to counsel her on acceptance of her appearance.
It breaks my heart to see such a young girl, scarred from a tragic accident due to a medical condition she couldn’t control. Words cannot describe the pain that was so evident in this girl’s eyes when we told her the surgeons denied her case. And what’s worse is it isn’t the physical pain that bothers her most, but instead is the social outcast she will inevitably face for the rest of her life.
I have been troubled for several days, racking my brain and consulting with more experienced mentors. In the end, we do have options, and I intend to carry through with doing whatever I can to help this patient. It will be a lengthy process, but I have hope and I have determination. Sometimes that’s all you need.