The disparity between evidence based, good quality care and actual practice is paramount in developing countries. After the completion of fellowship, I have committed 1-2 weeks every year to providing pro bono medical care for perioperative patients in other areas of the world. Specifically, I work with the United Kingdom-based charity, Silkroad Surgery for Children, to provide an educational curriculum and volunteer medical services at the 550-bedded Mandalay Children’s Hospital in Mandalay, Myanmar.
I am returning to Myanmar in September with Silkroad Surgery For Children, a U.K.-based charity that is planning their 2nd annual medical mission trip!
.
The group includes healthcare team members (representing intra- and post-operative nursing, surgical subspecialties, and anesthesia) as well as other administrative volunteers. Members are traveling from the U.K. and U.S.
.
Unlike many surgical mission trips which focus on completing as many procedures as possible, Silkroad Surgery has a unique focus on teaching. Our team works alongside local physicians and surgeons to share evidence-based practices that optimize patient outcomes, and create a shared mental model with regards to patient safety measures. .
In 2017, the group visited Mandalay's Hospital and met the dedicated medical staff there for the first time. We provided peri-operative care for a dozen patients with orthopedic surgery indications, including congenital uncorrected clubfoot (e.g. severe twisting of the foot since birth). Routine tele-follow-ups indicate good outcomes for the patients and continued interest for the partnership between Silkroad Surgery and Mandalay Children's Hospital.
.
I encourage you to visit our fundraising page and learn more about what we are doing!
.
https://www.gofundme.com/volunteer-medical-trip-to-myanmar
Aalap Shah, MD, is a board certified anesthesiologist, specializing in general adult and pediatric anesthesiology.
