I will be assisting in general surgeries in Cambodia and Vietiane, Laos for 7-10 days in early February. The surgeries will consist of thyroidectomies, hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, hysterectomies, etc. We will also be assisting a gynecology surgical team when we arrive. During our time there, we will be expanding medical care to the community and also lecturing to the local medical teams.
The citizens of these two cities will be provided with medical care that otherwise may be difficult to obtain. I am hoping that our care will positively impact their lives and their families. We are also planning to spend time with the local surgical team by participating in interactive exercises and providing lectures. The resources in these countries are limited in some areas, and we will be able to further expand the horizons of healthcare availability.
I was encouraged to attend this trip by the president of Global Healing Hands. He has shared his experiences with me and the impact that these trips have made to his patients and to himself. We will be one of the first American surgical team to practice in Laos. I am excited to learn about the local culture and medical practices while providing healthcare myself. This will be my first mission trip and I plan to share my story with my community when I return to encourage others to experience such an amazing opportunity as well.
My surgical mission trip to Laos had a profound impact on the local population and the other Lao medical professionals involved with the care of our patients. Our group provided medical care and life-altering surgeries to patients who otherwise would not have been able to receive treatment due to financial and logistical barriers. We performed multiple thyroidectomies and cholecystectomies which all resulted in a dramatic improvement the patient’s quality of life. The presence of our international team also allowed for the exchange of medical information and promoted an environment of education. We presented medical based lectures to Lao medical students and Lao clinicians during our time at the hospital.
This was my first medical mission trip and will certainly not be my last. Cultural exchange and collaboration resulted in new friendships, healthy patients, and professional growth. Without the Doximity grant, none of this would have been possible. I can truthfully say that this experience has changed the way I approach and practice medicine. I will continue working towards expanding access to medical care, improving healthcare infrastructure, and prioritizing education.
