We plan to provide multi-specialty pediatric surgical care for complex anomalies of the pelvic floor, gynecologic, colorectal and urologic systems. We also teach local surgeons through scrubbing together and conducting formal didactics, alongside direct patient care. We aim to establish a long-term collaborative relationship with the local hospital and surgeons, and potential train future surgeons.
We will serve pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients with complex surgical problems involving the pelvis arising from congenital malformations or trauma. Our team uniquely brings together a variety of highly skilled subspecialists to tackle some of the greatest pediatric surgical challenges. We also are deeply committed to education. Both in the OR and through formal didactics. This population was chosen because of the limitations in resources, expert capacity and advanced training needed to tackle these types of surgical problems. Manila is a remote location coming from the U.S. and any available support will help us travel that distance to reach those most in need of the unique multi-discplinary surgical care we provide, as well as the teaching needed to sustain patient care.
Much of our work is aimed at restoring urinary, bowel and reproductive function. Children, adolescents and young adults with problems with urinary continence, stooling and reproduction may be shunned and ostracized. It can impair their quality of life substantially, and lead to additional problems with skin break down and infection. In serious scenarios, renal disease can occur. There will be a direct impact on patients and families who otherwise could not be help in their local context. Learning will carry forward through maintaining our partnership. At our home hospital, Children's National, we have ear-marked donor funds that support visiting surgeons from other countries to join us for observership in the U.S. We aim to develop a collaborative relationship with surgeons from Manila in this regard to sustain education and growth. Historically we have also accepted foreign fellows for 1-2 years at time to train with us.
The trip to Manila was deeply impactful. We were able to help multiple children with complex surgical conditions affecting the bowel, bladder and kidneys. While operating, I personally was able to teach faculty surgeons from the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, as well as their pediatric urology and surgery fellows! We exchanged ideas and techniques. I came away with new ideas for my practice back in the U.S. In addition to direct patient care, we engaged in two days of educational sessions. One at the children’s hospital and another at the Philippine Surgical meeting. We also enjoyed socializing with our Manila colleagues, including trying lots of local foods! I’m extremely grateful for the support for this trip and plan to travel and continue to serve & educate through global surgery in the years to come. Thank you!
