Trip Report 2024
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SURGERIES
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VOLUNTEERS
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PATIENTS SEEN
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Gratification and Frustration was the theme for the 2024 Uganda Spine Surgery Mission. This was our first year back since 2019 where the COVID pandemic and subsequent Ebola outbreak precluded our return to Uganda. With much anxiety and a very short timeline I initiated the preparations for this year’s mission.
Thankfully Dr. Tiffany Perry and her team blazed the trail with a January 2024 mission. I was so grateful for her initiative and subsequent reconnaissance information, that contributed immensely to lowering my own self amplified insecurity about resurrecting the mission.
The superb team at Health Volunteers Overseas along with the Medical City Frisco Operating room team all worked triple time to raise funds and procure supplies for the mission. I began the volunteer recruitment process and was very quickly overwhelmed by the number of talented and committed individuals who were willing to give up their personal time to join the mission. Once we had arrived in Uganda the gratification was immediate. Just being there felt so appropriate. Seeing some long term follow up patients validated past mission’s and rekindling relationships with friends and colleagues in Uganda was fulfilling.
However the frustrations were very familiar. The spinal pathology was epically prevalent and intimidating. The state of spinal care in the country had only minimal if any improvement. The prior along with the fact that our shipment of supplies had still not arrived, completely discounted Dr. Perry’s contribution to lowering my blood pressure. Despite the issues, the team encountered obstacles, persisted and then initiated multiple plans to provide the best possible care overcoming the obstacles in front of us.
Please enjoy the following trip report which chronicles in more detail the day to day events.
I am so very thankful to all who have supported the mission, volunteered on the mission and who may have directly or indirectly contributed to the well being of those we treat in Uganda.
- Dr. Isador Lieberman