The trip is organized by Resurge with a team of 2 pediatric anesthesiologists, a plastic surgeon, pediatrician, and OR and PACU nurses to provide clinical education adn direct oeprative care in a rural hospital in Itigi, Tanzania
Pediatric patients in rural Tanzania requiring plastic surgery procedures.
The trip will involve education, training, and exchange with local surgical staff, as well as direct care of pediatric patients who may not otherwise have access to surgical care or pediatric specialists.
Through Resurge International, our team consisted of 2 surgeons, 2 anesthesiologists, a pediatrician, a nurse educator, and an occupational therapist. In addition, we were accompanied by 2 plastic surgery residents from Burundi who are currently training in different institutions in East Africa. We provided surgical care and clinical instruction over a 1 week period at St. Gaspar Teaching and Referral Hospital in Itigi, Tanzania. In partnership with local surgeon and anesthesia colleagues with whom Resurge has a longstanding relationship, we provided operative care to 25 patients. Cases included cleft lip and palate revisions, as well as care of post-burn scars and contractures in a predominantly pediatric population. Many thanks to our gracious hosts at St. Gaspar, as well as to the Doximity Foundation for their support!
