First Day of Surgery

Yesterday was the first day of surgery, and it was truly a fascinating experience for me.
If asked to draw a picture of the healthcare system in the US, I'd sketch a group of medical personnel held hostage by a prickly fortress of insurance companies, special interest groups and the ubiquitous pharmaceutical industry.
When dealing with the healthcare system, I have often felt disappointed, frustrated and lonely. Feeling this way led me to write a monthly feature on alternative healing modalities for the past two years.
Experiencing the atmosphere here brings me back to the bare bones of healing...to the truth in the work of a doctor, a surgeon, a nurse, a medical technician.
There are no walls here between the patients and the healers. They are souls coming together to heal each other. It is humbling to witness, and I am deeply grateful.

Information about some of these photos:
First Photo: When under anesthesia, the children get protection on their eyes so they won't dry out.
Second Photo: A cleft palate about to be operated on.
Third Photo: Nervous parents and little patients in the waiting room.
Fourth Photo: Dr. Bruce Chipkin administers anesthesia.
Fifth Photo: Dr. Manoj Abraham and Dr. Andrew Jacono get ready to operate.
Sixth Photo: Dr. Art Menken examines Alejandra's ears.