A Volunteer's Experience
James Lehmann, MD, MStJ, Cornea Specialist
San Antonio, TX -- For two months during the summer of 2006, I worked as a visiting surgeon at The St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital. Until retirement, most American ophthalmologists do not have the time to work abroad for more than a week; however, I had several months free between working with ORBIS International, a nonprofit organization fighting blindness in developing countries, and embarking on more specialty training in the US. Dr. James McCulley, the Chair of Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern at Dallas and a Member of the Order of St John, encouraged me to visit the Hospital during my break.
Consequently, I spent that summer at SJEH working in the clinics, performing surgeries, teaching residents, and participating in outreach programs in the West Bank. That experience led me to become a Member of the Order of St John and compelled me to make two more trips to the Hospital.
What is unique about The St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital? Why does it have such a profound effect on visitors? First, the hospital is a great place to work. It is efficient and equipped with modern surgical equipment and facilities. For a year before my time at the Hospital, I worked with ORBIS International across Africa, Asia, and South America. I saw intelligent, skilled doctors frustrated by the lack of medicine, equipment, and infrastructure.
This is not the case at The St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital. From the beautiful operating microscopes and new anesthesia machines in the operating rooms, to the disciplined, intelligent nursing staff on the wards, to the well-stocked pharmacy -- the quality of care is first rate! Simply put, it is a first world hospital in a developing world environment.
Secondly, the Hospital is located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem, a mile from the Old City, and is surrounded by churches, hotels, and consulates. The magic and beauty of Jerusalem intoxicates its visitors. A wonderful climate, friendly people, and grateful patients -- these things overcome one’s fears and prejudices.
Since my visit in 2006, I have returned twice, transporting tissue from the US for corneal transplantation. There is no eye bank in Israel or Palestine, and there is no cornea specialist at The St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital. During each visit, I bring 10-12 corneas, and work with residents and staff on pre-selected patients, performing transplants to restore sight to patients with severe corneal pathology such as keratoconus, traumatic scars, and burns.
If I could manage to go more often, I would. Each visit I meet new faces -- residents, nurses, staff and patients -- but the feeling in the Hospital is the same. The staff’s morale and sense of purpose are enduring. Each day, the Hospital staff, representing three great religions, truly lives our motto, “in the Service of Humanity.”
