Summary
This podcast episode features a conversation with Dr. Tom Katina, a missionary physician who has been working in Africa for over 20 years. Dr. Katina discusses his journey from being a mechanical engineering major to doing mission work in Africa, and his experiences working in rural hospitals in Kenya and Sudan. The episode covers the challenges of providing medical care in a conflict zone with limited resources, as well as the differences between traditional medical practices in Africa and the Western world. The conversation also touches on the importance of treating patients with respect and providing a human touch, even when the medical options are limited. Throughout the episode, links to videos and a documentary about Dr. Katina's work are provided.
The episode covers the history of civil war in Sudan and the violence that erupted in Nuba Mountains in 2011. The conflict was caused by the Sudanese government's forced disarmament of Southern soldiers in the region, which led to a rebellion. The government responded with air bombardments and violence against civilians. The episode also discusses the challenges of providing medical care in a rural area without access to many resources, including the difficulty of providing mammograms and the rarity of colon cancer and cognitive impairment in the population they serve.
The conversation covers various health topics in Nuba, Africa, including the prevalence of diseases such as leprosy, tuberculosis, and Burkitt's lymphoma. The speaker suggests the use of the HPV vaccine and a "see and treat" technique for precancerous lesions. The speaker also discusses the challenges of learning surgery in a resource-limited setting and the importance of having experienced mentors. The conversation also touches on the issue of end-of-life care and how it is communicated to patients and their families, particularly in a foreign setting where trust must be earned.
The episode also discusses the emotional toll of constantly being responsible for patients without access to psychological support, and the limited diagnostic tools available. Despite the challenges, the speaker draws strength from their faith and the resilience of the Nuba people. The conversation also covers the importance of vaccination programs, particularly for pregnant women, to prevent the spread of diseases. The speaker recommends several organizations that support healthcare in the Nuba Mountains, including Africa Mission Healthcare Foundation, Take Heart Foundation, and Catholic Medical Mission Board. The podcast host provides a disclaimer that the podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
