I plan to help with room set up, triage if needed as well as one of the 3 Nurses in the recovery room to help recover patients from surgery to assure they are safe for transfer to the post op unit for overnight observation. We will do vitals, monitor HR, reps and oxygen status as well as initiate PO liquids when safe.
Children with cleft lip and palate. There is also a dental team that joins as well as SLP.
The expected impact is great for these patients and families. Children and families are able to learn to eat in ways they have not before and are provided with necessary dental and speech resources that will be needed long term. Learning continues upon my return home as the team continues to help those on a community level back home as well.
I had the opportunity to travel to Honduras with Austin Smiles, working alongside an incredible multidisciplinary team of plastic surgeons, CRNAs, anesthesiology assistants, nurses, translators, dentists, and speech-language pathologists. Together, we cared for patients ranging from infants to adults with cleft lip and palate—many of whom have limited access to surgical care.
Throughout the week, our team evaluated and triaged patients, provided surgical care, and supported them through recovery. I worked primarily in the recovery room, caring for children after their procedures—monitoring, comforting, and helping them safely wake and heal.
The impact reached far beyond the operating room. It touched patients, families, and communities—restoring not only function, but confidence, dignity, and hope. At the same time, it deeply impacted all of us who were there, reminding us why we do what we do.
