A birth in Tedda
Article Abstract:
A physician describes the birth of a child in the rural Ethiopian village of Tedda. Although the physician prepared to assist with the birth, the delivery was handled by a local woman who had trained by observing the older women of the village when she was young. The pregnant woman kneeled on her hands and knees for the delivery. A live red chicken was brought in and frankincense was burned to ward off the evil spirit Koleh and speed the birth. The delivery went smoothly and the baby boy appeared healthy. A shawl was held up while the cord was cut so that no one with an evil eye could look at the baby and make him sick. If the delivery had not proceeded normally, the mother would have had to stand up and then bend over and hold her ankles while two men shook her. During the baby's first night, he began bleeding and again a chicken was brought in. Despite this and the physician's attempt to resuscitate the baby, he died. His wrists, thumbs and ankles were tied with twine, and he was wrapped in a piece of yellow cotton cloth and buried.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1993
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A way out
Article Abstract:
A doctor's experience with a patient who decided to decline further medical care and die at home is described. An elderly patient suffering from a variety of medical ailments decided to stop undergoing dialysis when complications began to further limit his activities. The doctor briefly describes discussions with the man and his wife about patients' rights and a durable power of attorney for health care. The wife's initial reluctance about the cessation of care and her eventual acceptance and support for the decision are also discussed.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1993
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On the death of house officers
Article Abstract:
Two physicians describe their feelings when medical residents under their supervision committed suicide. They consider if signs of depression had been missed, and whether the rigors of medical training had pushed their students beyond coping.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
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