This is a long standing annual volunteer trip to Mwandi, Zambia. I am a gynecologist who will be performing gyn surgeries for patients who otherwise would not have access to these life changing procedures. I will be accompanied by my chief resident who will be performing these surgeries with me. I am also so excited to have the opportunity to include a local OB/GYN Zambian resident to teach gyn surgical skills to.
The underserved females of this community will have access to surgery that will radically change their lives and those of their families. Many women have large fibroid uteruses that cause heavy vaginal bleeding leading to pain, anemia and social embarrassment. This also impacts their ability to work and raise their families. With surgery this can be cured. Women with cervical dysplasia are also at risk for cervical cancer and a hysterectomy can treat this.
The impact is life changing improvements in health allowing the women to be able to return to work and return to caring for their families. These surgeries can also stop the possible development of cervical cancer. Another great impact is teaching a local OB/GYN resident, skills that he/she can develop and perfect and then be able to treat their own people.
