Traveling from one country to another can be a thrilling adventure, but when the trip is to help improve healthcare in another part of the world, it becomes even more meaningful. That's exactly what I experienced as I journeyed from YYZ to DBX to Nepal to assist the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital with imaging informatics. Thanks so much to RAD-AID for making this trip possible.

Day 1: 

The day of my departure was finally here, and I was filled with excitement and anticipation as I arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport, also known as YYZ. I had my passport, and travel documents in tow, ready for the journey ahead. After a quick check-in and security screening, I made my way to the departure gate, eager to board my first flight.

The first leg of my journey was a long 14-hour flight from Toronto to Dubai. Thankfully, I had a comfortable seat and plenty of in-flight entertainment to keep me occupied. I watched a few movies and TV shows, slept for a while, and even managed to get some work done. As the plane touched down in Dubai, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the smooth flight and the prospect of exploring a new country.

After a brief layover in Dubai, I boarded my second flight of the day, which took me to Kathmandu, Nepal. The flight was relatively short, lasting just over four hours, but it was an exciting one. The aerial views of the Himalayan mountains were breathtaking, and I couldn't wait to see them up close.

When I landed in Kathmandu, I was eager to start my work but also conscious of the time difference. I knew that jet lag could be a real challenge, so I tried to adjust my circadian rhythm as quickly as possible. After settling into my hotel, I decided to take a walk around the streets and soak up as much sun as I could. I knew that sunlight is a natural regulator of the body's sleep-wake cycle, and getting some sun exposure would help my body adjust to the new time zone.

As I walked through the bustling streets of Kathmandu, I was struck by the vibrant energy of the city. The sound of car horns, the smell of spices and incense, and the vibrant colors all around me were invigorating. I stopped at a local market to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables and continued my walk, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. I could feel my body slowly adjusting to the new time zone, and by the end of the day, I was feeling surprisingly alert and energized. It was an excellent way to start my journey and an essential step toward getting the most out of my work with the hospital.

The hospital is located in the heart of Kathmandu, surrounded by beautiful temples and bustling streets. I was greeted by a friendly team of healthcare professionals, who welcomed us with open arms.

As I embarked on my work with the team at the hospital, I felt confident and ready to tackle the imaging informatics project. My body was adjusting to the new time zone, and my mind was focused on the task ahead. I was eager to make a real difference and contribute to the healthcare needs of the people of Kathmandu. We spent the rest of the day discussing the imaging informatics project, going observing their imaging equipment and PACS workflows. 

As I wrapped up my first day in Nepal, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to help the hospital and the people of Kathmandu. I knew that there would be challenges ahead, but I was confident that with hard work and determination, we could make a real difference in improving the hospital's imaging capabilities.

In the coming days, I will be documenting my journey and sharing my experiences with you. Stay tuned for more videos and blog posts as I work to help the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital with imaging informatics

Stay tuned for more updates on my journey as I work to improve healthcare in Nepal!