I wish I could convey the images of the last 48 hours using words. Nobody can. I have never seen so much human desperation in my life. I have never felt so hopeless.

I didn't know what to expect as I first walked through the crowded courtyards and hospital wards of St. Damien. I was ready to put all of my surgical expertise to good use. I quickly realized that we were in the middle of a "life triage". So many wonderful health professionals, nurses, doctors, administrators and ancillary staff doing everything they can for this devastated population.

There is no limitation of goodwill here, but there are huge limitations in facilities, equipments and supplies. Despite all the good effort from all the good people, there is not enough here to deal with the magnitude of the complex injuries that we face.

As a doctor and a father, I was not prepared to accept the circumstances as they were. So many children and adults are having their arms and legs amputated here. The majority of these limbs could be saved in a hospital in the US. I had to look into the eyes of a mother or a father and tell them that we had to cut off their child's arm or leg. I told them that it was necessary. I didn't tell them that it was necessary only because we didn't have the proper means to save it! I felt guilty and ashamed. Who wouldn't?

Let me tell you about some bright moments today. By pushing the limitations of our capabilities, we were able to save the legs of two children. We need to do more. We need to transfer as many of these kids to the US for limb salvage operations. Time is going to run out on these people if we don't act urgently.

For the long term, we need to improve the capabilites here at St. Damien to elevate the standard of care. We also need to address physical and emotional rehabiliation of the Haitian earth quake victims.

I thank you for the opportunity to come here. I wish I could do more. I wish we could all do more.

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