A steady stream of Ochsner doctors has been heading to Haiti for the last several weeks to assist in the medical needs of a ravaged country, and more are on the way.
They say there's enough work for the next several years, and unfortunately, many cannot be saved.
Through the organization called Humanity First, Dr. Omar Shams helped to establish a 100 bed hospital in Port au Prince two weeks ago, where the need is astronomical.
"We saw major wounds... infected... many people who had been treated were coming back with infections because they had no means of follow up," Shams explained.
Shams went to Port au Prince to determine the logistical needs, but was soon pressed into medical service and saw over 100 patients a day. Shams is part of a steady stream of doctors headed to help in Haiti.
Dr. Fred Wilson leaves Wednesday, after being requested to help out by he American Society of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Wilson heads to Haiti knowing full well hell have his hands full. If all goes well he can treat 100 patients in ten days, knowing full well that's just a fraction of the need.
Wilson is now helping gather the material he will need to help mend those who need it most. He will return in about ten days, like his counterparts who went before.
The doctors who have been there were happy to help, but they know they and other doctors will be needed in Haiti for many years to come.
Shams says he went to work for Humanity First after seeing firsthand how effective they were in our area after Hurricane Katrina. If you would like to help in their relief effort,
click here.
