Day 10 - Green scene
Meeting with GRT at Hargeisa group Hospital at mental health
ward. I met Julie who I can describe as a tornado of dynamism and
optimism sweeping through a severely necrotic ward. Julie is
experienced in this type of work. She has a background in Darfur,
arctic and other difficult areas. She covers this hospital and one
in Bossasso in Somalia.
I can’t keep up with her enthusiasm and drive. She is an
inspiration. We have tried over the years to change the ward. But
maybe sometimes you need a tornado.

Day 11 - Mock OSCE exams
This is a trial run for the next year’s finals. The 5th year
students partake.
There are no psychiatry stations. However, I am examining in a
station where the doctor has to break the bad news of a HIV
diagnosis. There is work to do in improving the communications
skills here. Students tend not to give time to listen and don’t
allow the patient to express their sorrow and grief at the news. I
heard people say – this is actually good news! I don’t think so.
The exams, after a delayed start, run like clockwork.
The president of Hargeisa University has sadly been killed in
car crash so there is a sad atmosphere and the celebration for the
new graduates is cancelled for that night.
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