It’s my second time to visit the Japan Heart Children’s Medical Center, and from the moment I rolled up the dusty drive I could see that things were already buzzing. I’m greeted at the steps of the clinic by a new born baby, posing for her first photo opportunity with Japan Heart staff.
Our new celebrity
Down the hall her mother is having her Caesarian section incision sewn up. The medical team oblivious to the budding celebrity they just helped bring into the world as they work tirelessly to finish their job.
In the next room, another patient is having a tumour removed from his liver. The director of the hospital and a member of the medical team look on and discuss the situation. I am not medical staff so I am still unused to seeing this world, but am grateful for the glimpse.
Medical staff observe an operation
There is a contrast, I realise. Babies are born here, and it is a joy to be celebrated, but this facility also treats serious conditions. As I am being shown around the facilities, my colleague shows me some beautiful benches for the patients to rest on while they await treatment. “These were donated by a patient’s family”.
She went on to tell me that they were treating a boy for a tumour on his stomach. When they sent him to a facility for further scans, they discovered a heart defect and unfortunately the child passed away. I’m told that the family still corresponds and visits with the hospital, because they are grateful for the care he received. I am in awe of the heart of these people, though I’ve never met them.
At this point what I’ve seen could be considered the beginnings of a typical day. However, despite my unfamiliarity, I am fairly certain that Japanese comedians don’t often turn up to provincial Cambodian health centres. Enter, Shun Shun Clinic P.
Dr. Shun Shun discusses the finer points of medicine and comedy with Japan Heart staff
After a cursory examination of his work I have preemptively decided he is a kind of doctor version of Piko Taro. However, Shun Shun isn’t dressing up and he doesn’t have any apples or pens. What he and his cameraman Dr. Sushi do have are real medical qualifications.
Dr. Sushi and Dr. Shun Shun pose with a staff member.
His brand of comedy is very physical which is perfect for our setting, where language barriers are not uncommon. Once his music starts a small crowd of patients and their families join to watch.
Dr. Shun Shun teaches a child his signature pose.
The catchy songs and dance moves are definitely a hit with young and old, as are Dr. Shun Shun’s attempts at rudimentary Khmer. Even in the wards with several patients bedridden, his antics elicited enthusiastic smiles and claps.
When Dr. Shun Shun left, I was struck by the humanity of it all. Doctor is a profession that has commanded respect for all of history, and in today’s world they can command salaries to match.
However, the doctors and medical staff I encounter, including Dr. Shun Shun, are humble, friendly and welcoming. Visiting a medical centre can be daunting under any circumstances, but patients seem to smile easily, even before the introduction of Shun Shun Clinic P.
Patients receive a post treatment followup
There is a culture of happiness here that is infectious and wraps this facility, and the doctors and staff are a part of it. However, even as I ponder this thought, the intercom crackles to life and doctors are summoned with the crash cart to attend a child having a seizure. I am reminded of the contrast.
Jake