I am a fifth-year general surgery resident, and I am honored to join Dr. Peggy Schrieber on her biannual surgical mission to Mwandi, Zambia. Dr. Schrieber has served this community for over 25 years, fostering a collaborative partnership with local healthcare providers. The mission provides surgical care to villagers in this remote region, where access to such services is extremely limited due to geographical and resource constraints.
During this trip, I will participate in clinic evaluations, surgical planning, and operations alongside a multidisciplinary team. Without CT imaging or a functional X-ray machine in the province, we will rely on clinical assessments and resourceful problem-solving to provide safe, high-quality care. This experience will push me to grow as a surgeon, particularly in adapting to austere settings, while maintaining the standard of care every patient deserves.
By participating in this mission, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the long-standing efforts of Dr. Schrieber’s team while learning valuable skills in global surgery. This work is part of a sustained collaboration with the Mwandi community, and I hope to carry forward this ethos of mutual respect and partnership as I pursue future opportunities in global health.
The population served includes the people of Mwandi and neighboring villages, where access to surgical care is scarce. Due to the region’s rural location and limited healthcare infrastructure, surgical conditions often progress to advanced stages before patients can seek help. Dr. Schrieber’s biannual trips have become a vital resource, and many community members rely on these visits for care.
This mission exemplifies the power of sustained, respectful collaboration. Patients are seen in clinic, triaged, and scheduled for surgery, with operations running late into the night to meet the community’s needs. These efforts are possible due to the dedication of the team and the trust built with the local population over decades.
Serving this community is a privilege, not only because of their resilience and kindness but also because it provides an opportunity to witness and learn from the challenges of delivering care in resource-limited settings. As a future trauma surgeon, I am committed to serving vulnerable populations, and this experience will further shape my approach to providing equitable care.
The impact of this mission is twofold: first, the immediate benefit to the community through improved quality of life for patients who undergo surgical care, and second, the broader, ongoing impact of strengthening local healthcare systems. Over decades, this partnership has fostered trust, enhanced surgical training for local providers, and improved hospital infrastructure.
For me, this trip represents a chance to deepen my understanding of global surgery and the skills required to practice in resource-limited settings. I will learn to approach clinical decision-making with minimal diagnostic tools and adapt to challenges such as limited supplies and environmental constraints. These lessons will be invaluable as I transition to my fellowship in trauma and acute care surgery at UCLA, where I plan to continue engaging in global health initiatives.
This mission will also deepen my commitment to sustainable, long-term partnerships in global surgery. I hope to use this experience as a foundation for building my career, ensuring that my future contributions prioritize collaboration, respect, and shared goals with the communities I serve.
The people in Mwandi, Zambia were so warm, welcoming, and deeply appreciative of our care. We performed over 60+ cases in the span of only a week and a half. Patients came from all over the countryside to be evaluate.Many patients asked to take photos with us, and their gratitude was uplifting. These moments reminded me of why I entered medicine in the first place. I came back to the United States and my home institution with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for the surgical care I provide.
I will be continuing my education in surgical critical care at an institution that highly values and promotes engagement in global surgical projects. I hope to continue this important work. As a resident, I’m not sure I would have been able to financially afford going on this trip if it wasn’t for the generosity of the Doximity Foundation. Thank you for making this experience possible.
