Team Leader: Dr. Thomas Wang, M.D.
Team Type: Plastic Surgery and Cleft Palate
Campaign Summary: The team provided 111 consultations and performed 36 surgeries.
Supporters:
Americares — Stamford, Connecticut
Oregon Health Science University — Portland, Oregon
Team Members:
Dr. Jenn Alderson-Egan, M.D., Anesthesia Resident
Dr. Douglas W. Anderson, D.M.D. Anesthesia Provider
Don Bennett, Assistant
Rachel Chard, Medical Student 4
Conklin, Tammy, Registered Nurse (Operating Room)
Dr. Artemis Cox, M.D., Surgeon
Linda Johannson, Registered Nurse (Operating Room)
Janet Kunz, Registered Nurse (Recovery Room)
Cindy Laurance, Assistant
J. Belinda Robarge, Physician’s Assistant
Dr. Berklee Robins, M.D. Pediatric Anesthesiologist
Dr. Scott Stephan, M.D., Surgeon Fellow
Gaye Tanner, Registered Nurse (Operating Room)
Dr. Gerald Tanner, M.D., Anesthesiologist
Kara Tse, Registered Nurse
Dr. Thomas Wang, M.D., Surgeon
Betty Windes, Registered Nurse (Recovery Room)
This was Dr. Tom Wang’s (OHSU Facial Plastic Surgeon) 7th international medical mission trip. His team consisted of a combination of current and past OHSU, Portland Veteran’s Administration and Roseburg Veteran’s Administration medical and nursing staff.
The primary focus of the team is surgical repair of cleft lip and palate in children. Other surgeries performed included repair of both congenital and acquired lesions of the head, neck and face. Most of the patients were children, but several adults were also treated. The team was also able to see many of last year’s patients and was pleased they were doing nicely.
One patient the team treated was a man named Miguel who had severe burns. He had several neck scars called burned contractures. The contractures prevented him from looking forward or up – his neck was flexed about 45 degrees down. During the gentleman’s operation, many of the contractures were released so he now has much better neck mobility and isn’t looking down all the time.
Many of the team members had travelled to this small town and the Kausay Wasi Clinic several times before, but for others it was a first trip. Much needed care was provided to the patients of the Sacred Valley outside Cusco, Peru. Many came from hours or days away in small villages in the Andean Highlands. In addition to providing care, an anesthesiology resident and surgical fellow were able to see first hand the importance of using their expertise to help those in need. Making a difference in the life of someone is a true gift, to both the recipient and the giver.