Pediatrics
Medical Specialties
A 2019 study of health care resources in Kenya found that the nation had two pediatricians per 100,000 children under age 18, as compared to more than 100 pediatricians per 100,000 children in the United States.
In Bomet County, where Tenwek Hospital is located, a significant proportion of the population is under age 18; mortality rates for children under age 5 are far higher than in better resourced countries.
At Tenwek, the daily census on the pediatrics ward numbers from 10-30 patients. Diagnoses include sepsis, severe acute malnutrition, gastroenteritis, status epilepticus, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, cerebral palsy, rheumatic heart disease, liver failure, GI bleeding, and meningitis, as well as acutely ill children whose diagnoses are far less certain. Patients often present late in their disease course, which keeps the Tenwek inpatient pediatric wards very busy. The pediatric team appreciates the assistance of visiting pediatricians to help with the treatment of these very sick children.
The Tenwek NICU, whose census ranges from approximately 20-45 patients, provides care for preterm and term infants who require acute care, as well as stable premature infants who require close monitoring of nutrition and growth.
A short-term service visit to Tenwek allows pediatricians to care for individual patients, as well as share their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of Kenyan physicians, clinic officers, and nurses. Visitors interact daily with Kenyan Medical Officers, Clinical Officers, and staff nurses, as well as the nurses, residents, and interns who are training at the hospital. It is also an exceptional opportunity for personal growth in a Christian community that depends on and celebrates God’s goodness and healing power in the midst of suffering.
Daily Responsibilities of a Visiting Pediatrician
On a typical weekday for a visiting pediatrician, rounds begin at 7 a.m. in the ICU. Teaching conferences occur after ICU rounds, and the team reassembles for check-in around 9:30 a.m., after which the remainder of morning rounds occurs. “Chai time” takes place after rounds, and there is a break for lunch at 1 p.m. Throughout the day, emergencies such as coding, stabilizing a critical child, or spending time with the families of children who are very ill also occur.
Afternoons include clinical consultations and teaching, both informal and formal, with interns and Medical Officers. At 4 p.m., sign-out with the night call team takes place. Visiting physicians should expect to be on call once a week and on one weekend over the course of a month.
Department Staff
Tenwek offers extensive outpatient services in pediatrics, which are based in the MCH Clinic. The clinic is staffed by Medical Officers, Clinical Officers, and rotating trainees. Visiting pediatricians whose expertise lies in outpatient care should inquire about opportunities to work in MCH.
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