Stuck in the mud.

Ann Fam Med · 2008

Where this comes from

Abstract

The reservation was a littered muddy wasteland, and its population endured poor health, not unlike a third world country. Native American patients suffered from conditions of squalor, alcoholism, diabetes, and drug abuse. I was initially enthusiastic to serve this population, but my ideals and tolerance were challenged through time and experience. Rescuing a teenage girl in labor with a footling breech brought my cultural incompetence to a head. I searched for validation of my service and meaningful purpose in my efforts.