...and then I realized it was my responsibility

Busy day today -- much to absorb. We started the day sitting in with the current MS class. What engaged students! Lora's question to the students: how has your vision of yourself as a professional changed since you started graduate school? Their answers were thoughtful and heart-breaking. "I used to think that moving the profession forward was someone else's responsibility," he said in halting English, "and then I realized it was my responsibility." Weighty stuff so early in the morning. It is easy to forget the struggles of all of our professions for respect and professional recognition, until we're shuttled two decades back in time.

The afternoon was spent touring a public hospital, then a private one. They are resourceful, and have to be because they have no resources. An open ICU with 36 patients, all on ventilators. One nurse for 15 patients. Seven physical therapists for 1300 patients. It is amazing they are able to accomplish patient care at any level. I tell the chief nurse that I admire what she has accomplished, and she tears up. "You have no idea what it means to hear you say that," she says. "I know you have the best care in the U.S."

She points out the VIP ward to me -- where there are only two patients in a room. The others have 4,5,6 -- often two in a bed. I'm not kidding. And while we were on the unit, they moved a fresh post-op fellow into a room with five women. We take for granted our embarrassment of riches.

Back to the students. They are remarkably gracious and attentive. They took us to lunch, walking on either side of us as they maneuvered us through the traffic. If you wonder why that was necessary, go to YouTube and search "crossing the street in Saigon". It is impressive. On the way back, they held umbrellas over us to protect us from the sun. I'm guessing I won't get this treatment at home!

Tomorrow to the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, where I'll meet with the Dean. Then to the students' final presentations and a potluck. Stay tuned!