Nkalakatha

Everyone says that first impressions are key. That mantra was my main concern when Eric showed up at my door this morning only for me to realize that I was locked inside my flat. That’s right, locked inside. Long story short, I finally met up with Eric 45 minutes later after parading around campus, asking for directions, and feeling like a complete inconvenience. Thankfully, the rumors about “South African time” deemed true in that no one seemed the least bit put off when I arrived late on our program’s first official day. As stressed out as I was, Eric helped me laugh off the situation, and the day turned out to be fantastic.

After hearing about the research summary we are each expected to write, I plan to learn more about platelet rich plasma, or PRP. Without boring you with the physiological details, think of it as a more long-term and beneficial treatment than cortisone shots. Instead of acting as an anti-inflammatory, it induces an inflammation response to promote healing by centrifuging the patient’s blood and reinjecting the plasma portion of the sample. We were surprised that we’ve never heard the procedure mentioned in the States! Hopefully, I’ll be able to apply what I learn to the research I’m assisting with upon return to ASU involving mice inflammation responses. And of course right after learning all about PRP, we got to observe the procedure being performed on a patient. So neat! We have the amazing opportunity to observe Dr. Louis Holtzhausen at the Sports Clinic. He was actually one of three doctors for the South African teams at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Needless to say, Eric and I have been awestruck rubbing shoulders with him, physiotherapists for popular local teams, countless athletes, and even some pro rugby players.

Dr. Holtzhausen's Olympic memorabilia, complete with Mo Farah's signature. 

Today was also great as we finally had the chance to interact with more people our age. We spent the morning at the physiotherapy clinic where three fourth year students (on their sports medicine block) were basically running the place. They very generously allowed us to observe, explained their every move, and even told us more about UFS college life. One actually invited us to join her at the Game Festival this Saturday (trying crocodile is on my bucket list!). After that, we might watch the rugby vs. Italy game at a brie (infamous SA barbecue). Everyone has been great to invite us places and swap information so that they can meet up with us. I’m personally hoping to make it to UFS varsity rugby game as one of the players got our number at the clinic today. After all, we cannot have all work and no play, right?

Important things I have learned thus far: how to dance to “Nkalakatha” by Mandoza (please look it up and enjoy), my SA roommate loves our stereotypical American Southern accent imitations (“y’all all go down yonder”, etc.), and street lights are called “robots”. But don’t worry Dr. Jones, I have learned much more than that, and it has only been a few days! More pictures and shorter posts are hopefully coming soon, but there has just been so much to share.