The Hospital by the River

The Hospital by the River chronicles Dr. Catherine Hamlin's work treating obstetric fistula patients in Ethiopia, where she and her husband established a groundbreaking medical facility. The memoir follows their journey from Australia to Addis Ababa in 1959 and the subsequent decades of medical service. The book documents the establishment of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital and its growth into a globally recognized center for fistula repair surgery. Through patient stories and medical observations, Dr. Hamlin details the physical and social challenges faced by women with obstetric fistulas in Ethiopia. The medical procedures and daily hospital operations are presented alongside cultural insights into Ethiopian society and healthcare. Dr. Hamlin describes the development of surgical techniques and the training of medical staff to address this specific medical condition. At its core, the book examines themes of dedication to medical service and the impact of maternal healthcare in developing nations. The narrative demonstrates how targeted medical intervention can transform both individual lives and communities.

Readers describe the book as a moving account of Dr. Hamlin's work treating obstetric fistula patients in Ethiopia. Many found the medical details educational while remaining accessible to non-medical readers. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex medical conditions - Balance of medical content with personal stories - Details about Ethiopian culture and customs - Documentation of hospital's growth over decades What readers disliked: - Religious references felt heavy-handed to some - Early chapters move slowly - Some medical descriptions too graphic - Limited perspective beyond the authors' experiences Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (150+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Made me aware of a devastating condition I knew nothing about" - Goodreads reviewer "Important story but the writing style is dry at times" - Amazon reviewer "The perfect mix of medicine, culture, and human interest" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🏥 Catherine Hamlin and her husband Reg arrived in Ethiopia in 1959 for what was meant to be a 3-year contract but ended up staying for over 50 years, treating thousands of women with obstetric fistulas 👩‍⚕️ The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, established by the Hamlins, has treated more than 60,000 women and maintains a cure rate of 95% for its patients 🎓 The hospital created the Hamlin College of Midwives in 2007 to train midwives who would work in rural areas to prevent fistulas from occurring in the first place 🌟 Catherine Hamlin was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and was awarded the Right Livelihood Award (often called the "Alternative Nobel Prize") in 2009 💝 The hospital provides not just medical care but also rehabilitation services, helping women learn skills like weaving and farming to support themselves after treatment, as many are rejected by their communities due to their condition