Join us on an incredible journey as our experienced
medical team embarks on a 10-day mission
About the Trip
10 DAY MISSION TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC:
A Life-Changing Trip: Bringing Care to the Dominican Republic
Join us on an incredible journey as our experienced medical team embarks on a mission that spans 10 days. Our mission is multi-faceted, involving patient evaluation, surgery, and providing crucial patient care.
Our purpose goes far beyond simply treating patients; it is about offering care to those who would otherwise be deprived of such vital services. We consider ourselves privileged to bring hope and healing to the people of the Dominican Republic, making a difference in their lives that they may not have the opportunity to experience otherwise.
Our journey begins with a two-day comprehensive patient evaluation session, focusing on referrals from the campos - the migrant worker camps scattered throughout the countryside.
These critical evaluations of hundreds of patients determine the care required to address a myriad of orthopedic needs. Physical and occupational therapists are available to aid in non-surgical treatment.
Approximately 50-60 patients will be scheduled for surgery.
Our commitment, born from the visionary leadership of Dr. John Staeheli and rooted in the history of the ILAC Ortho program, extends beyond surgeries. All care is driven by our unwavering belief in compassionate care: every service we provide, from consultation to surgical intervention, is entirely free for the patients. This mission is made possible through the generosity of donors, supplying both crucial medical equipment and essential funding.
At RTFC, we are not just restoring health; we're fostering a legacy of collaboration, education, and hope.
Our 10-Day Medical Mission:
DAY 1–3
A DETAILED GLIMPSE
CLINICAL EVALUATIONS AND SET UP
Thursday to Saturday are busy with activity. Our clinical team engages in evaluations of 100-200 patients referred to us from the campos (country side villages), by Cooperadores. The Cooperadores, trained by the ILAC center, serve as a bridge between the surgical teams and those living in the campos, providing basic medical needs throughout the year.
Alongside the Dominican surgical residents we assess each patient's health and orthopedic conditions, determining the most suitable course of action. While surgery is vital for some, others benefit immensely from non-surgical treatment plans developed in collaboration with our therapists.
Concurrently, from Friday to Sunday, our surgical team begins the crucial task of setting up our operating rooms. This involves organizing donated surgical supplies and implants, preparing the anesthesia stations, and readying the pre-op and post-op areas. During this phase, we also make rounds with the orthopedic residents at Cabral Hospital, identifying trauma patients who might benefit from surgical intervention.
To cap off the weekend, our Sunday evening is dedicated to engaging educational sessions with the residents and attending surgeons. We review the surgeries planned for the week and delve into challenging case discussions, ensuring a collaborative approach.
DAY 4–8
A WEEK OF SURGERIES
From Monday to Friday our teams at ILAC dive into surgical interventions, including complex hand and soft tissue surgeries, joint reconstructions and post traumatic deformity corrections. At Cabral, we partner with residents to undertake complex trauma and spine surgeries, utilizing local implants. At the ILAC center, surgeries are seamlessly executed with the collaboration of residents and attending physicians, primarily using the generously donated implants from our industry partners.
CONCLUDING OPERATIONS AND
REFLECTIVE LEARNING
DAY 9
By Friday afternoon, our focus shifts to cleaning and storing surgical supplies. In the evenings throughout the week, anesthesia and orthopedic providers come together for enriching educational sessions with the residents, discussing learnings from the week's surgeries, challenges faced, and innovative solutions employed.
DAY 10
FAREWELL UNTIL NEXT YEAR
Our mission, while coming to a close, leaves behind an enduring impact. As we prepare for departure on Saturday, we carry with us cherished memories, forged relationships, and the aspiration to return. With every trip, we aim to cultivate an environment of compassion, collaboration, and transformative healthcare.
Be a part of this mission, and together, let's sculpt a brighter, healthier future for countless individuals.
Undoubtedly, this journey is
life-changing. Witness the transformative power of our trip as we touch the lives of countless individuals, leaving an enduring impact on both patients and our team members.
