Today I was able to complete a telemedicine consultation between a patient in Placencia (southern part of Belize) and a neurosurgeon at Strong Hospital, Dr. Vates. The patient wanted the consultation because he had been told he needed surgery and wanted a second opinion. We were able to transport electronic files of the patient’s MRI to Dr. Vates, who kindly donated his time. It was a good thing, because not only did Dr. Vates recommend surgery, he concluded that the patient is at high risk for paralyzation or death with any minor trauma and thus the patient needs surgery ASAP. The patient is now scheduled for surgery on Monday.

Yesterday evening, I went swimming after a day at the hospital. I was enjoying the sunset, when, BAM! I felt the sting of a jellyfish on my hip. Ouch! As I swam back to shore, I considered the possibilities of how to relieve the sting. I’ve been told of 3: vinegar, windex, or urine. Unfortunately, I didn’t recall having any vinegar or windex... I know what you’re thinking, and believe me, I seriously considered it. Instead, I melted an ice cube on the burning area of my skin, and brainstormed other possible strong chemicals that might alleviate the burn. Marie Sharp's habanero sauce, perhaps? I started making dinner, and suddenly remembered, I did have some balsamic vinegar! I put some on the skin, and the burning and swelling disappeared. Now all that are left are some red lines on my leg that look like chicken scratches.

--Tina