Tom Catena, M.D., missionary physician running Mother of Mercy Hospital in Sudan, discusses his extraordinary work in a war-torn region, the Nuba people's harmonious resilience, and his new venture to raise awareness and funds for other missionaries. Topics include surgery training on the job, living and working in Kenya and Sudan, challenges of delivering healthcare in remote areas, performing surgeries on children with kidney tumors, and the high cost of healthcare in the US.
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Quick takeaways
Dr. Tom Katayna's hospital in the Nuba Mountains provides much-needed medical care in a war-torn region with limited resources.
Gaining the trust of the local community is crucial for providing medical care and navigating cultural beliefs and practices.
Despite years of conflict and limited access to healthcare, the people in the Nuba Mountains demonstrate resilience and acceptance of their circumstances.
The lack of resources and modern medical equipment in the hospital poses challenges, but the staff's commitment leads to successful outcomes and improved health for patients.
The hospital faces logistical challenges due to lack of infrastructure and limited resources, hindering the ability to provide effective healthcare.
Funding and acquiring necessary supplies for the hospital is a difficult and complex process, creating strain on the limited resources available.
Deep dives
Providing healthcare in a remote and war-torn region
The episode highlights the incredible work of Dr. Tom Katayna, a missionary physician in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan. The region, faced with conflict and limited resources, relies on Dr. Katayna's hospital for medical care. Despite challenges, the hospital has grown over the years, now training local health workers and providing care to a population of about a million people.
The importance of cultural understanding in healthcare
Dr. Katayna emphasizes the need to gain the trust of the local community, who have traditionally relied on traditional medicine and spiritual healers. Building a connection with patients and their families is crucial in providing medical care and navigating cultural beliefs and practices.
The resilience and acceptance of the community
The people in the Nuba Mountains have lived through years of conflict and limited access to healthcare. They have a deep appreciation for the medical care and support provided by Dr. Katayna and his team. Despite the challenges and limitations, the community demonstrates resilience and acceptance of their circumstances.
Challenges and limitations in resource-limited settings
The lack of resources, including modern medical equipment like CT scanners, poses challenges for the medical team. However, their commitment and determination to provide the best care possible has led to successful outcomes and improved health for many patients in the region.
Medical challenges and limited resources
In a war-torn region in Sudan, the hospital faces logistical challenges in providing healthcare due to lack of infrastructure and limited resources. The hospital operates on a small annual budget of around a million dollars, yet manages to see a high volume of patients, including 130,000 outpatients, 2000 operations, and 5000-6000 inpatients. Due to the difficult circumstances, obtaining necessary supplies like medications and medical equipment is a constant struggle. Access to laboratory testing is limited, hindering the ability to diagnose and treat certain conditions effectively.
The impact of bombings and living in a war zone
Living in a war zone brings constant fear and stress, particularly during bombings. The hospital and the surrounding region have been bombed multiple times, putting the staff and patients in grave danger. The experience of being bombed unleashes a deep sense of vulnerability and fear. The hospital staff had to dig foxholes to seek refuge during bombings. Despite the constant threat, the hospital continues to provide care, but the emotional toll on the staff is significant.
Infectious diseases and limited access to healthcare
Infectious diseases like tuberculosis and hepatitis B have a significant presence in the region. Lack of access to vaccines, limited testing capabilities, and challenges in reaching remote areas make it difficult to control the spread of these diseases. The hospital implements vaccinations for newborns to prevent Hepatitis B transmission. However, testing and treatment options for advanced cases of tuberculosis, leukemia, and other chronic conditions are severely limited, creating significant barriers to proper care.
Struggles with accessing funding and resources
Acquiring funding and resources for the hospital is a difficult and complex process. Large funding organizations and foundations often have administrative barriers, making it challenging for small organizations to access funds or obtain needed resources. Additionally, the remote location and political circumstances make it challenging to transport and deliver medications, equipment, and supplies. This creates a tremendous strain on the already limited resources available at the hospital.
The Impact of Malnutrition and Lack of Medical Resources in Nuba
The podcast episode highlights the severe challenges faced by the people of Nuba, including malnutrition and limited access to medical resources. Malnutrition is a prevalent issue, with limited food variety and seasonal availability of fruits and vegetables. The lack of protein sources can lead to stunted growth and other health issues. Medical care is also a major concern, with limited healthcare facilities and resources. Basic medical procedures, such as pap smears and mammograms, are not accessible, leading to a lack of preventive screenings for diseases like cervical cancer. The episode emphasizes the need for increased resources, including vaccinations, like HPV, and specialized medical equipment to improve the overall healthcare situation in Nuba.
The Impact of Conflict on the People of Nuba
The podcast highlights the devastating impact of the conflict in Nuba on the people's physical and mental health. The region experiences frequent bombings, resulting in severe injuries and high fatality rates. The people live in constant fear, and traumatic experiences are not uncommon. Mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are prevalent but often overlooked due to limited resources and attention. The episode sheds light on the immense suffering endured by the people of Nuba and the urgent need for psychological support and trauma care services.
The Grim Reality of Healthcare in Nuba
The podcast episode delves into the grim reality of healthcare in Nuba, with limited medical supplies and healthcare professionals. Patients often suffer from preventable and treatable conditions due to the lack of basic resources, resulting in high mortality rates. The absence of preventive measures and screenings exacerbates the situation, with many diseases going undetected or untreated until advanced stages. Healthcare workers face overwhelming challenges and strive to provide care with limited facilities and medication. The episode highlights the urgent need for increased resources, including medical supplies, personnel, and funding, to alleviate the healthcare crisis in Nuba.
The Importance of Humanitarian Aid and Advocacy in Nuba
The podcast advocates for increased humanitarian aid and advocacy efforts to address the healthcare challenges faced by the people of Nuba. It emphasizes the significance of donations to trustworthy organizations that work directly on the ground. Increased awareness and understanding of the situation in Nuba can mobilize individuals to advocate for better policies, funding, and resources to alleviate the suffering of the people. The episode highlights the need for coordinated efforts from various organizations, governments, and individuals to bring about positive change and improve access to healthcare in Nuba.
To support Tom’s mission and work, please visit: https://africanmissionhealthcare.org/donation/catena/.
In this episode, Tom Catena, a missionary physician who runs Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountains in Sudan, describes some of his extraordinary work as the only doctor in a remote, war-torn region of Africa. In terms of individual lives saved, you could argue that there is no other person on the front lines doing more than Tom. Additionally, we explore the manner in which the Nuba people die, which is in striking contrast to the ubiquity of chronic disease and self-harm in the West, despite the extreme poverty and unimaginable suffering experienced by the Nuba people. Lastly, we discuss the lessons to be gleaned from the Nuba people, who, despite their suffering, live so harmoniously, happily, and resiliently.
We discuss:
Background, medical training, and early days of missionary work in Africa [5:15];
Tom arrives at Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, civil war breaks out, and his staff evacuates [12:30];
Learning surgery on the job and earning the trust of the community [37:00];
The amazing people of Nuba, and why Nuba feels like home to Tom [47:45];
NY Times article about Tom’s work, and Tom’s new venture on the board of the Aurora Prize Foundation, raising awareness and funds for other missionaries [59:45];
Tom’s mind-blowing ability to deal with chaos while seeing hundreds of patients per day [1:12:00];
The most afraid Tom has ever been, and how he copes with the emotional trauma of his daily experiences [1:19:45];
The basic tools, technologies, and medicines that Tom is lacking that could save many lives [1:30:00];
The logistical challenge of helping Tom’s hospital, and what Tom really needs [1:35:15];
Diseases in the adult population [1:38:30];
Living without possessions, finding meaning, and being a missionary [1:55:45];
Happiness, sense of purpose, and suicide: contrasting the US with Nuba [2:07:15];
Other than donations, is there a way people can help Tom and other similar causes? [2:15:15];
The food in Nuba [2:18:30];
Tom’s annual bout of malaria [2:23:45];
Patients Tom will never forget [2:26:00];
Resources for people wanting to get involved in helping Tom’s work [2:31:00];
Peter tells a story that defines Tom [2:32:00]; and
