I will be joining OI -Team Canada to assist them with much needed surgical support while in Ghana during their mission in November 2025. I’m a team leader for OI -Team Heart of Texas and we completed a successful trip to Uganda in May 2025. During our days in Uganda we completed 86 surgical procedures with no postoperative complications! Truly an amazing testament to thus organization and the wonderful group of volunteers.
Our team was established to honor my son, Declan Davenport. I lost him to an aggressive form of Spindle Cell Sarcoma at the age of 19 on November 14,2022. My international humanitarian work is done out of pure desire to help others and honor his legacy. This is truly my calling to work in underserved areas of the world.
The locals of Ghana will benefit from our surgical services. This population travels near and far for free services that are unable to receive or fund themselves. The local population is very kind and grateful for these much needed services.
We hope to impact many lives with life changing surgical interventions during our time in Ghana. The impact humanitarian work has on me is unprecedented. I come back to Texas rejuvenated with a fresh since of purpose ! I learn from all my fellow healthcare professionals and develop lifelong friendships with those who also want to change lives.
The Ghana mission with Team Canada was incredibly successful, with our group completing 93 surgical procedures safely and efficiently, all while providing compassionate, patient-centered care to the people of Ghana. Beyond the operating room, we focused heavily on education and capacity-building. Three of our physicians provided critical care training to a large group of local nurses and physicians. They were given a certificate of completion at the awards ceremony.
Our team provided hands-on training, clinical guidance, and ongoing medical support to the local CRNAs, physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff. The impact was felt everywhere we went.
Patients expressed deep gratitude for the free surgeries and the relief these procedures brought to their lives and families. I worked in the post anesthesia unit for a day. I was able to teach new mothers how to breastfeed, as well as, talked about the importance of skin-to-skin contact post delivery. I have worked in Ears, Nose, and Throat for over 15 years. The staff of the PACI was interested in learning more about post operative care of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy pediatric patients. We had an impromptu class on management of these patients which was greatly appreciated.
The local providers were equally appreciative of the teaching, collaboration, and shared commitment to improving long-term patient care. We spent time scrubbed in for a case and giggling while trying to learn the different names we use for surgical instruments. They would ask for an “ artery “ which we quickly learned was a haemostat to us. It was an honor to contribute to a mission that strengthened a community, supported a healthcare system, and reminded us of the power of global partnership.
Thank you to the Doximity Foundation for sponsoring this flight to Ghana. I could not be helpful and make a global impact without your support. I am truly grateful and so are the individuals impacted by our care.
