29 August 2009

I have had to think carefully about my feelings before I write today’s entry, which is unusual for me. I spent the first half of the day in the hospital. Bagram hospital is currently the busiest trauma center in the world with patient acuity (severity of injury) unparalleled in the civilian trauma literature. Rather than a fleet of university physicians to shoulder the burden, however, Bagram’s surgical staff consists of—well, I shouldn’t really say because of operational security. Suffice it to say, however, that the few surgeons here work 7 days a week, night and day. Their courage is only matched by that of the soldiers and marines who go out to do their duty every single day, facing incredible danger and discomfort. Most soldiers now wear their blood type stenciled onto their helmets. It’s a functional, yet eerie sight to behold. It really highlights the acceptance of risk that these young men display every day when they pull on their dusty boots. Although I work in an amazing facility at home surrounded by excellent physicians and people, I stood today in the ICU, choked up with awe at the heroes laying before me and bustling around this strange place.