Healing in a District Hospital

I have been blessed for many years with an exceptionally talented physical therapist mentor. She provides her patients with just the right amount of challenge while guiding their movements in ways to instill confidence. Regained walking patterns, ability to reach for objects, and a newfound faith in themselves is the result. She encourages her students to find ways to provide patients with these "aha" moments ... moments when the patients experience that that they have performed a movement correctly, and if repeated in that fashion, will help them reach their goals and attain higher quality of lives.

I think I had my own "aha" moment while volunteering my services at the Punakha District Hospital. I found in Phuentsho, the one physiotherapy technician at this 40bed hospital, a burning desire to learn fueled by compassion for others. We saw several patients, and together I believe that each one is one step further on the road to their emotional and physical recoveries.

I've always had a soft spot for the elderly, and the patient in Bed A of the Intensive Care Unit stole my heart. Frequently admitted to the hospital for respiratory problems, Phuentsho has come to know this patient well. The patient looked quite pleased upon Phuentsho's arrival to the Unit, and reported compliance with the exercises Phuentsho had prescribed to aide him in his breathing capabilities. He reported that his family was coming to take him home, and he would be able to continue on his own with the physiotherapy.

A beautiful young woman entered the physiotherapy gym, heavily supported by the two nurses aiding her. Phuentsho and I reviewed the physio referral: "Inability to Walk due to Emotional Distress." During the subjective interview, we picked up on signs suggesting the possible presence of a psychiatric emergency. Discussing our findings with the head nurses, they came to agree with our findings. We requested the patient be transferred to Thimphu, where the 2 psychiatrists in Bhutan are posted. The nurses stated that every moment of the day, they are making the effort to demonstrate to her how much she is cared for and loved. Eventually she can be transferred to Thimphu, but what she needs now, is love ...

Originally from Nepal, a middle aged man was admitted to the hospital over one year ago. Given that this patient has no family in Bhutan, the Punakha District Hospital has allowed him to remain in the hospital as long as necessary, with government allottments and international donations funding his stay. With a progressive decline in his ability to walk, the patient now spends the majority of his time lying in bed. MRI and CT, imaging tests often used to aide in establishing diagnoses for patients, is unavailable outside of Thimphu. Upon presenting this patient's case to me, Phuentsho reasoned that he must have a cerebellar disorder due to intact strength with poor balance. We discussed additional tests he might perform to further aide in the diagnostic process, which would then target his treatment and help determine the patient's potential for recovery.

Observing Phuentsho's interactions with his patients renewed my own dedication to my physical therapy practice. A technician with less than one year of experience who has been working 100% independently since graduation, Phuentsho's patients are in extremely good hands...