McMurdo General Hospital

I am a physician in the three bed hospital located at McMurdo station.  I have now been on the ice for one week and I am adjusting to dorm living, cafeteria dining and seeing patients in our lovely clinic.  On my way to clinic in the morning, I have amazing views!

The clinic/hospital is small, has a definite military influence, and has very little privacy.   But, I am working with a great group of people.  We are expecting increased clinic volumes when the base increases from 500 people to 1200 people.   We will be seeing approximately 50 patients per day for a variety of acute and chronic medical issues.

 

You enter near the lobby area.  We have two curtained rooms for seeing patients and one exam room for more private matters.

We each have a small office space with a computer.    My desk is in the back in the inpatient area.  We do have the ability to have three inpatients if needed. 

We have greats people working in pharmacy lab and xray, who help with clinic duties as well.   The physical therapy office is connected and available to assist with rehab. 

I am looking forward to learning more from all of the people working with me down here.   I am slowly adjusting to the different way of practicing medicine in this environment compared to the big city of Seattle. 

I want to thank the AFSA students for following along during my adventure.  They have asked some excellent questions which I am slowly answering.  You can find their questions and answers on the right hand side of the home page or under the AFSA tab at the top of the home page.

Hopefully I will have another hike report this weekend (hope for better weather!)