I will be partnering with VOOM Foundation and a local Nigerian hospital to provide cardiac surgical care to Nigerians and also to train Nigerian cardiac surgeons.
Nigerians come from all over the country to access this surgical care because of the severely limited cardiac surgical care that is available in the country on a usual basis. The VOOM Foundation has established local partners and networks to help identify and work up patients who are candidates for surgery and provides postoperative care. Additionally, Nigerian cardiac surgeons and trainees also come to participate, further their education and partner with us during these missions.
The expected impact is improved quality and length of life for our patients, increased local capacity to perform and support cardiac surgery in country, and ongoing collaborations and support between American and Nigerians surgeons throughout the year.
Thank you to the Doximity Foundation for their generous support of the VOOM Foundation and our May 2026 adult cardiac surgery mission in Oraifite, Nigeria at the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital. During this mission we had the privilege of assessing over two dozen patients with various cardiac pathologies and performed 18 open heart operations which included valve replacements for rheumatic heart disease, coronary artery bypass grafting, removal of intracardiac tumors, repair of aortic aneurysms and repair of ventricular septal defects. The multidisciplinary team provided comprehensive care which started with initial preoperative assessment, evaluation and optimization; proceeded to surgical treatment; and continued through the postoperative care and rehabilitation of these patients. We have strong partnerships with local Nigerian physicians, nurses, and healthcare providers involved in every aspect of cardiac care. We are dedicated both to the treatment of patients with cardiac ailments as well as to the ongoing training and development of the local team to continue to care for these patients independently and with remote support. Our Nigerian team consists of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, nurses, radiology technicians, biomedical specialists, perfusionists, and administrative personnel. This robust partnership has become a source of inspiration and ongoing development for many Nigerian healthcare professionals and the VOOM Foundation is dedicated to continuing to improve access to care through the direct provision of medical and surgical care as well as through mentorship and training of our Nigerian teammates. The VOOM Foundation's work comprises the highest volume of cardiac surgery that is currently being done in the country of Nigeria and demonstrates the need for ongoing improvement in access to these vital and lifesaving procedures. Our surgeries are performed free of charge for all patients and supported through funding from the VOOM Foundation. The Doximity Foundation’s grants support the all volunteer team of healthcare workers who donate their vacation time and financial resources to participate in this mission.
