Deborah Lendore '26 - Medical Observership in Grenada

I had the amazing  opportunity to volunteer on the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. Grenada is the host country to the renowned St. George’s University Medical School. After being granted permission by the chief medical officer of Grenada to do an observership in two of the hospitals on the island first the general hospital in Saint George (Grenada) , and the Princess Royal Hospital located on the sister island of Carriacou. I was able to get a more in-depth view of the medical system In Grenada, because one of the doctors on the island, Dr. Hosten, one of the three surgeons at the General Hospital, who has his private practice,  allowed me to shadow him on the days when he did his rounds at the hospital. The medical professionals there were welcoming and gave me an inside view of the daily task, and the difficulties they work under, with having limited resources and limited medical equipment that we commonly have access to and sometimes take for granted in the United States of America.

The professionals in the hospital make up for these lack of resources by having excellent bedside manner and improvising skills in order to get the results needed.  I was on several rotations, so I was able to observe in the radiology department, oncology department, pathology department, and the laboratory department. Each rotation, gave me an inside look at the daily workings of each department and the way the way they are interconnected with each other to get their job done on a daily basis. Being able to see each of these departments in the hospital system gave me a clear picture of how each department works and interconnect to administering the health care that each patient needs. During my shadowing with Dr. Hosten, I was able to see him doing follow up care on his patients that had surgical procedures. Every morning he met with his team to follow up on procedures that were done previously. My first month was spent on the mainland of Grenada, I met many exceptional professionals and formed friendships, I still get texts and hellos from the workers at the hospital. Following the first month and a half I went to the sister island of Carriacou at the princess royal hospital where I did an observership for two weeks. The Princess Royal Hospital is a satellite Hospital of the general hospital in Grenada. They handle minor medical procedures and emergency situations only. Whenever a patient needs more in-depth care they are sent down to Grenada on the ferry or airplane to get the care needed at the General Hospital.

My experience In Grenada this summer awakened my understanding of the disparity and health in places outside of the United States. It motivates me to be parts of organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders and other medical organizations that assist these countries. It also enabled me to give back to a place that is not just an international country, but also is tied up in my heritage. Grenada is the birthplace of my parents and their parents. I was able to connect by learning about the culture and way of life of a beautiful island nation. I was able to attend one of their major festivals on the island called Regatta. It was a fun experience, and I was able to participate in the cultural activities, food, and the festivities that went along with that Celebration. I am truly grateful to Cardea and Duke for encouraging us to participate in such life-changing opportunities. I look forward to being a part of another amazing opportunity next year.