The earthquake that struck Haiti last month devastated the lives of millions and left the entire global community searching for ways to help. Across the MediSys Health Network, several steps were taken to provide assistance to those in Haiti, as well as the Haitian community in New York. A resource center was opened at one of Brookdale Hospital’s Family Care Centers, free grief counseling was offered to those affected, and several employees collected monetary and item donations. Still, many individuals wanted to go to country to lend a hand. Two physicians from Jamaica Hospital, Dr. Fregens Duvalsaint, Attending, Anesthesia Department, and third year resident, Dr. Torian Easterling, Family Practice, had the opportunity to travel to Haiti to provide much need medical help.
Drs. Duvalsaint and Easterling traveled to the country with the Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad (AMHE) for a week. Both physicians were assigned to the main hospital in Port-Au-Prince, where Dr. Easterling managed patients in the ICU tent, dressing wounds and performing post-operative procedures, among many other things. In addition, he helped at a hospital in Petionville, addressing obstetrics and pediatric needs. Dr. Duvalsaint was also stationed at the main hospital, administering perioperative and anesthesia services to patients. He was also able to bring medical supplies and equipment with him, thanks to Dr. Antonietta Morisco, Chairperson of Jamaica Hospital’s Anesthesia Department, Dr. Jean Vaval, Associate Director of the Department of Anesthesia, and Jamaica Hospital’s pharmacy.
“The general hospital was severely damaged and the operating room was lacking equipment,” explained Dr. Duvalsaint. “There was a great need for medical help.”
Added Dr. Easterling, “buildings were reduced to one level and everyone was looking for assistance. People were coming to the hospital seeking any type of help available. You could really feel their sense of emergency.”
The hospital was treating 400-500 patients a day and although this is comparable to Jamaica Hospital’s own emergency visits, the emotional aspect of the situation was far more overwhelming. The images seen on television were unrivaled to the actual conditions they experienced first hand. They both recalled feeling powerless at times, not being able to do everything and assist everyone. It was a constant struggle between becoming emotionally attached and being professional.
Even still, the experience was valuable to the doctors.
“Our efforts didn’t only benefit the people of Haiti but we drew inspiration from them as well,” said Dr. Easterling. “There was an incredible strength will to go on and a community of support. Resilience, There were a lot of positive stories shared with us.
Added Dr. Duvalsaint, “the people of Haiti showed tremendous courage despite what they were going through. Everyone came together to help and remained in good spirits. It strengthened my faith and put things in my life in perspective.”
Although media coverage on Haiti has slowed down, both doctors are still doing what they can to help the country. On Tuesday, March 2, Jamaica Hospital’s Global Health Program, which is organized through Family Medicine, is holding a fundraiser. The event will include a panel discussion of volunteers who traveled to Haiti to assist with relief efforts. In addition, the program is collecting resources for Haiti and organizing a future mission trip to the country. Dr. Duvalsaint plans to go back to Haiti in the near future and encourages everyone to continue to support Haiti.
For more information about the Global Health Program, call 718-206-6942 or email [email protected].