TTUHSC Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
Doctors Arrive in Haiti for Medical Mission

     Two TTUHSC Paul L. Foster School of Medicine physicians arrived in Haiti early this morning for a humanitarian mission. They were contacted by the US Coast Guard to help victims of the earthquake. Both Marco Diaz, M.D., and Leonardo Loaiza, M.D., assistant professors in the Department of Community and Family Medicine, are trained and certified in basic disaster life support.

     "We have just completed the initial stage of this unbelievable experience," emailed Dr. Diaz. "So far we have had nothing but amazing luck and unbelievable timing. The breeze is hot and with a distinct smell. The damage is immediately evident and we have not yet left the airport. The face of despair and disbelief is still fresh."

     Leonardo Loaiza, M.D., who participated in the 1999 Columbian earthquake relief efforts and the 1995 American Airline crash in Columbia, says every disaster is different with its own set of issues. "A disaster is a major call where you have to improvise. Everything you've learned is challenged and you have to work faster and use your common sense."

     Today they begin their trek to the site where they are expected to spend the next two weeks treating patients. They are keeping contact via email whenever possible.

     Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso and Texas Tech Physicians, have been serving the El Paso community and the surrounding region for almost 40 years. It is a flourishing health sciences center with 1,331 employees and clinics located in East, Central and Northeast El Paso. In addition, the campus is now home to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, the only four-year medical school located on an international border.