A Day in the Life of Siloam: Provider's Perspective

A Day in the Life of Siloam

By Medical Director Jim Henderson , MD

Originally published in the Winter 2006 edition of Healing Waters

This is my first opportunity to share glimpses of patients I have the privilege of serving. I’ve changed names and a few details to ensure privacy.

A recent Tuesday morning . Our day begins as usual with staff and volunteers gathering to pray. As we ask God to manifest His love and power among us, I sense that we will need much prayer this morning.

Refugees from Sudan are the first patients in. Is it the scars on the adult faces or the hollow look in their eyes that cause me to stare? The children show practically no fear as they begin to receive the host of vaccinations needed for school. I wonder what all they have seen in their young lives? The nurses and interpreters work with them patiently and lovingly as they begin the two-three hours of medical screening. Having lived as a minority in a foreign land for many years, I find myself trying to identify with them but realize that there is no way I can, given all they have been through and all the blessings I have. Feeling sobered, I move on.

Our nurse practitioner consults with me about “Lora,” a 40 year-old single white grandmother, distressed about her deteriorating health and miserable living situation. Over the last few weeks she has experienced rapidly deteriorating vision and is no longer able to drive. Tests reveal dangerously high blood sugar from previously unrecognized and untreated diabetes. She refuses to consider admission to any hospital, so over the next two hours our team works with her to carefully put together an outpatient program involving daily visits and phone calls.

When it is time for her to go, she seems a very different person. The transformation is amazing and reflected in her words, “You people have given me love and hope to go on today. I was really trying to kill myself by not paying attention to the warning signs in my body these many months, but then I got desperate and came in today. Thank you for being here!” She leaves promising to return daily. Wow! I am amazed by the love and care she received from our team today.

Another patient, “Claire,” is waiting in another exam room. Our staff knows not to use this room because I can’t see the flag, but a new volunteer placed her there today. Claire waited more than an hour until I noticed her while on the way to see a Latino gentleman. I let out a silent groan.

A young volunteer interpreter was quickly asked to visit with the Latino gentleman and I went in to see Claire. I am not sure if it was her demure response to my apology, or what I had seen earlier with Lora that caused me to sit down and patiently listen to her host of complaints. I sensed that there was a deeper problem than her diabetes, hypertension and multiple aches and pains. She had the downward gaze of someone full of shame and, despite attempts to conceal it, she seemed depressed. Suddenly it felt as if Jesus was there reminding me of the times I had felt the same way.

I don’t think we were in the room all that long, but I do know that God multiplied the time so that we could talk as equals about shame, guilt, self-destructive habits like overeating, and God’s unconditional love for each of us. In the end she let me pray for her, and she left with some vague instructions from me on dieting (which I readily admitted I had never been able to keep). I told her it did not matter whether she lost or gained weight in the days ahead, but to please come again in a month to talk. She seemed evasive as she said that she would try.

Next was the Latino gentleman waiting with the interpreter. I realize that my schedule is falling apart and it is unlikely I’ll make my lunch appointment. I indeed need more prayer to regain the proper perspective and have a servant’s heart instead of a selfish one.

Soon after arriving in the exam room it became apparent that this man was struggling with a lot of issues, yet I was struck by his apathy. Two weeks ago he ran out of his blood pressure and diabetes medicines, but was just now coming in for refills despite having had a heart attack in the recent past.

My concern didn’t seem to bother him. He just didn’t seem to care, which made it difficult to communicate despite our excellent interpreter. We slowly got things sorted out. As I left to get his medicines ready, I paused and asked the interpreter if he would like to spend just a little more time chatting with the patient.

All thoughts for my lunch appointment were gone by now. When I returned I sensed a different atmosphere in the room than before. Apparently the extended time with the interpreter allowed the patient to share that he wanted to give up on living because all of his family was in Central America , and he was so lonely he could barely stand it. There were tears of gratitude in his eyes as we prayed for him. I could tell he wanted to come back soon to allow us to talk more.

As the morning came to an end, I found myself so glad to be working at Siloam. I wanted to boast in the Cross of Christ and shout aloud His love for the nations. In the future, I look forward to other opportunities to share with you and thank you for your prayers and for partnering with us to bring the Gospel and health care to those in need. May the Lord of all grace enable you to have a blessed Thanksgiving and joyful Christmas.

Editor’s Note: “Lora” did came back for the care she needed to get her diabetes under control. She is able to drive now and is working regularly.

“Claire” came back one month later, glowing. An exercise and diet regimen resulted in a 23 lb. loss. Her blood pressure and blood sugar were perfect, so no medicine was needed. A new hair style and clothes all resulted in, as Dr. Henderson said, “She looked pretty as a picture.” She encouraged Dr. Henderson when she heard he had not done so well (weight-loss wise), saying she would be back next month to check on his progress.

Our Latino gentleman patient died of a massive heart attack two weeks later. His body was flown back to Central American by caring individuals to be buried near his family.

And, Dr. Henderson’s lunch appointment cancelled on him! Lunch was rescheduled for another day and both had a great time eating together and sharing what God is doing in their lives.