Mail by Runner 114: Medical Elective in Kaunda

We've got an update today from Thomas Swinburn, who is completing his medical elective at Khunde Hospital currently.

Tashi Delek from Khunde Hospital, Nepal! I’m currently in the second week of my ten-week medical elective and loving every moment so far. After a couple of days in Kathmandu, a visit to the Himalayan Trust’s head office, and one day of delay waiting for the weather at Lukla to clear (which almost felt like a rite of passage!), I had some good weather for the trek up to Khunde.

On the trail, I felt the full warmth of the famed Nepalese hospitality, made international trekking friends, and caught my first glimpse of Everest. Reaching Khunde, I had underestimated the bond I had formed with my porter Myla; even though we didn’t share much common language, I was caught off guard by how emotional I felt saying farewell after only four days!

While I’ve only been at the hospital for a few days, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed and there has been plenty to keep me busy. With an outreach clinic to Thame planned for the end of this week and Dumji just around the corner, there’s no shortage of things happening at 3850m, so watch this space!