Do you remember 2003?

Top-Simulation Lab on Infection Ward with our host Dr. Danny Tong who worked as an ICU nurse during SARS

Bottom-Waiting to enter Infection Control Ward (thankfully empty at present)

Intensive Care Unit, Princess Margaret Hospital

If I really thought about it, I could remember that 2003 was the year of SARS. But it would take me a few minutes. While 9/11 is a date that will forever be in our minds, here in Hong Kong it is March of 2003 that changed everything. Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), known for it's expertise in infection control since the 1970s, became the epicenter of SARS. Policies for hospitals and public health were drafted and carried out at this facility. These practices have since shaped they way infection control is approached in Hong Kong today. Everywhere we go, there are alcohol based cleansers, posters encouraging hygiene, and surgical masks (at times). While concerns for another epidemic are not always at the forefront of lay people's minds, it is not far from the health care workers at PMH. Entire floors are dedicated to the care of critically ill and infectious patients. Life and death in both patients and health care workers were very real in 2003. We all admire the dedication and sacrifice that these people made.

After touring the general isolation ward and dim sum lunch, we were treated to specialty-based visits for each team member. Burt, Karen, DGN Kenneth, and guests visited the local mental health hospital; Darren to the medical records center; Maria to the CCU telemetry and medical floor; Tracey to the physiotherapy rehab; and I to the ICU. I am again pleased and surprised by how similar we are (well, I don't wear a mask all the time). The comprehensive and up-to-date medical care that these ICU nurses provide is excellent and more than just equal to our own. I won't bore you all with the details, but my coworkers at home will get an earful! We all went home to our host families for the evening to share fellowship with them. I was lucky enough to spend it with my host family's daughter Chloe, who took me to my first Vietnamese restaurant. Delicious! We then bargained our way through the Night Market on Temple Street. We rode back home on my first double-decker bus. I'm sure my teammates had equally enjoyable nights as well. Tomorrow, Shenzhen on the Mainland!