Giving Back Program - Philippines 2010

This was my sixteenth surgical mission trip and it was special. Julia, my eighteen year old Davis High School senior, joined our outreach. Julia wants to be a nurse and has been busy applying to nursing programs. This was the perfect opportunity for her to learn what it is like to help others. Check out her blog, www.JuliainthePhilippines.wordpress.com

This year 5 US surgeons joined a team of Australian nurses and anesthesiologist to perform 73 surgeries on 69 patients at Sacred Heart Hospital in Cebu, Philippines. We worked with the local nurses and physicians to perform the surgeries. This trip would not be possible without the local Rotary. The Rotary found the patients, helped the patients find local places to stay and covered most of the hospital costs. In addition they transported the team around, brought in clowns to entertain the children and many other tasks that helped make the trip successful. I am impressed with how the Rotary helps people worldwide.

We take so many things for granted in the US that are only optional in the Philippines. Take electricity for example. In a windowless operating suite it is critical to have light, power to operate the anesthesia machines and all of the monitors. Almost daily we would have 10-20 minutes when there suddenly was no electricity. Fortunately, there were two battery powered lights on the wall. Flashlights, lanterns and headlights were used until the power returned.

Despite all the problems the United States has with healthcare system, we know that if we really need it, we can somehow get it. In the Philippines if you cannot pay for your hospital food, IV fluids, needles, sutures, drugs and antibiotics you will not be able to have something as basic as a cleft palate repair done.  In the US this is essential, even for non citizens that cross our borders illegally. In the Philippines it is only optional. While traveling home we found a 24 year old young man who had an unrepaired cleft palate working in the airport souvenir shop. His speech was unintelligible, but one could tell he was bright. He indicated that he did not have enough money to pay for the surgery. Thanks to the local Rotary and our surgical team, next year he will be able to have his surgery.