I am a pediatric anesthesiologist and the medical mission is to perform plastic surgery for the ethnic minorities in the highlands of Hue, Vietnam and surrounding area from June 15-June 19. We will perform surgeries including cleft lip/palate, hernia repairs, hand and foot deformities, burn reconstruction, and hydrocele. We train locals in the community as well, including surgeons and anesthesiologists. I will provide airway lectures as well as BLS and PALS training, as I am an AHA instructor of BLS and PALS. This trip will make a difference by providing care to those who may not have access or may not be able to afford care for their children.
The minorities in the highlands of Hue, Vietnam will benefit from the project. This population is underserved and also financially unable to pay for this care.
We plan to provide 50-80 surgeries over a week. The biggest impact will be through the education of the locals to perform the surgeries as well as anesthesia. In addition, lectures in BLS and ACLs will be provided. Most importantly, the plan is to return to Hue over the coming years.
We performed 51 surgeries on children who were indigent and would not have otherwise had these repairs. The children and the families were grateful, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to help these families.
