After having worked in Haiti for more than twenty years, one thing I have learned is that nothing is easy in Haiti. From what would appear to be a very simple surgical case to obtaining the most basic of medicines or supplies, you can assume nothing and take nothing for granted. All of the clichés (one step forward, two steps back etc.) seem to apply in Haiti. In preparing for an operative case, you learn to check everything from the functioning of the operating table, to the presence of sutures, to whether there are light bulbs in the surgical lamp. Any assumption can be costly. In Milot, CRUDEM relearns this lesson everyday.
When volunteers first arrive it is easy to see the frustration on their faces and hear it in their voices. By the end of the week, if they are adaptable, they have learned some patience and become more knowledgeable about the people and the culture. Cooperation has replaced frustration and everyone, including the volunteer is better for it.
The rising prices of fuel ($10 U.S./gal.) in February, shortage of medicines and political unrest have made the start of 2012 a very challenging time. The trust and confidence which CRUDEM has earned from the people over the past 25 years is helping to sustain us through this difficult period. The generosity of those who contribute their time, talent and treasure is truly inspiring.
One of our greatest sources of pride at CRUDEM over the years has been the fact that Hôpital Sacré Coeur is a Haitian run hospital, which is very rare in Haiti. The staff is 100% Haitian and Haitians are in every position of authority at the hospital. This method of operation does not come without its problems. The hardest thing to do sometimes is to stifle the urge to “take over.” We are at Hôpital Sacré Coeur to teach and advise, not to foster dependency. The talent and intelligence lie within the people.
Our job is to help them manifest these attributes. There is no feeling like guiding a staff member, nurse, doctor or maintenance person, through a difficult task and sharing the sense of satisfaction and pride that come from accomplishing some things they never thought possible. On the other hand, they will sometimes press us to take on a project which we may think is beyond the hospital’s capabilities, only to have them prove us wrong. I think I have sometimes caught them suppressing a grin as they once again have surprised us with what they can achieve.
It is this mutual ability to learn from each other which makes every trip to Milot an adventure.
We are entering into a phase now of trying to transition the hospital into a “center of excellence” in care and education. We are observing the Haitian leadership build depth in the medical and administrative staff. They are trying to build from within wherever possible and instill a sense of accountability in all employees.
Just like everything else in Haiti, this will not be easy. Almost surely there will be hazards and missteps along the way. With the “grace of God” and your continuing amazing generosity, I’m confident that the spirit of CRUDEM will continue to inspire us in our work.
Thank you for all you continue to do for Hôpital Sacré Coeur.
David G. Butler, M.D.
David G. Butler, M.D. is a Fellow in the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and has worked in private practice in Englewood, NJ for almost 40 years. He is an attending at both Englewood Hospital and Holy Name Medical Center, both in NJ. Dr. Butler received his M.D. from SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY and completed his residency as Chief Resident OB/Gyn at St. Vincent’s Hospital & Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Butler also serves on the Board of Trustees of Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck, NJ. and is the former Chairman of that Board. He and his wife, Mary Ann Butler, M.D., live in New Jersey and are the proud parents of five children.
