List date(s) this work was published or aired.
19-Jan-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
An earthquake on January 12, 2010 devastated Haiti, including its medical infrastructure and services, which in some places had been minimal even before the earthquake. The article relates how two ophthalmologists are working to help build a workable system of medical care in the country. Dr. Mildred Olivier, a Chicago ophthalmologist of Haitian descent, is taking a very “hands on” approach of patient care, teaching, and collecting and importing donated medical equipment, Dr. Michael Brennan, past president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is working on a more national level in Haiti to help build a medical education system, using local as well as outside resources. The article describes some of the obstacles and local mindsets that present barriers that have to be overcome to achieve the goals at the patient level and for the society as a whole.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
None.
Explain types of human sources used.
I depended on the personal stories as related by Mildred Olivier of the Midwest Glaucoma Center in Chicago and Michael Brennan, MD, past president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Results:
Dr. Olivier continues to make slow progress in Haiti. Dr. Brennan continues to provide expert leadership in developing systems for provision of medical care internationally and has mainly moved on to work with people in Afghanistan and surrounding areas.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No corrections or clarifications. There have been no comments or criticisms of the article.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Ask the interviewees what makes the areas they are operating in challenging. For this story, the interviewees described the very limited infrastructure and equipment but also the mindset of the local physicians and officials, including theft or misappropriation of donated equipment. Dr. Olivier noted that the physicians do not have an attitude of patient service, and some have tried to sell supplies to private patients or on the street. On the upside, she said they are thirsty for knowledge. Furthermore, approach the story from the other side as well, asking about patient attitudes. In this regard, they need to learn that their local physicians, with training, are very competent, and patients should not wait to see the experts from abroad for their medical needs.