Trip Report

Date June 20-july 6, 2024

Volunteers

Surgeries

Days Working

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.

Dr. Isador Lieberman

Full Trip Report Available Upon Request