Skip to content

Surprising Science — April 8, 2009

Life And Death In The Mogadishu E.R.

Zachary Shtogren

Sign up for the Smarter Faster newsletter

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Yesterday was World Health Day, and we would be remiss to let it pass without mentioning what is perhaps the most determined team of doctors in the world, the group delivering care at Mogadishu’s Benadir University Medical College.

Shelling, patient kidnappings and gunmen-directed surgeries are just part of the daily routine in Mogadishu’s only functioning medical facility. Director-General Mohamed Yusef told IRIN News Service“I stay because I believe that I will only die when my time comes. But more importantly, I truly believe that I am needed here, and I will not be able to live with myself if I abandon those who depend on my services and the services of doctors like me.“

Amazingly, Benazir graduated its first class of doctors in November of last year after an eighteen year gap. This was at the same time Al Shabab rebels were closing in on Mogadishu from the south and the frail transitional governement was struggling to provide even basic protection to citizens.

Sign up for the Smarter Faster newsletter

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Related

They don’t come as pills, but try these 6 underprescribed lifestyle medicines for a better, longer life

The majority of Americans are stressed, sleep-deprived and overweight and suffer from largely preventable lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. Being overweight or obese contributes to […]

Collage showcasing a stratospheric balloon soaring over Earth and a close-up of fingers, with "The Nightcrawler" emblazoned at the top, capturing the spirit of a creative renaissance.

How AI is ushering in a creative renaissance

Welcome to The Nightcrawler — a weekly newsletter from Eric Markowitz covering tech, innovation, and long-term thinking.

Two colorful cells with purple nuclei, green cell edges, and radiating filament structures against a black background.

When muscles work out, they help neurons to grow

The findings suggest that biochemical and physical effects of exercise could help heal nerves.

Two people viewed from behind against a blue sky, one wearing a pink top and the other an orange top, share a moment of quiet solace as the person in pink rests their head on the other's shoulder. It’s a serene scene that hints at healing and support after trauma.

3 emotional intelligence tips for helping a friend in a rough patch

Listen, set boundaries, and point them where to go.

Arms burdened with a large stack of papers, folders, and rolled-up documents, a person exemplifies toxic productivity. Their black bag hangs precariously from their arm as they navigate the weight of their workload.

The Learning Curve

How to break free from your “toxic productivity” cycle

Psychotherapist Israa Nasir explains how a “value-aligned life” can help us crush our goals — without being crushed by the need to accomplish more.

Up Next

Politics & Current Affairs

What Would Thomas Jefferson Make Of e-Democracy?

The movement to harness technology to democratize American democracy is gaining traction. Is that a good thing? During the heated presidential campaign of 2008, the CNN/YouTube debate proved so popular […]