A Day in the Life of the Multi-Specialty Mission Team
By Catherine Flanagan
Our annual Multi-Specialty Mission Trip in September brought together 14 medical specialists who provided care to more than 920 patients throughout the week at Tiquipaya Hospital, outside of Cochabamba, Bolivia. The following stories capture moments of patient care witnessed during a single day of the mission.
Heart Clinic
Grace, 12, was brought by her mother to our cardiology clinic. When Grace was just seven months old, doctors told her mother that her baby had a heart issue. Echocardiograms at ages one and three appeared to show a hole in her heart. Recently, Grace began experiencing chest pains, and her mother grew concerned that Grace’s heart might be enlarged. Solidarity Bridge cardiologist Dr. Mark Ottolin and Kristi Ryan, Pediatric Cardiology Nurse Practitioner, examined her and performed an echocardiogram. Both concluded that Grace’s heart looked completely normal. Whatever was causing her chest pain was not related to her heart. They were able to give mother and daughter the news they hadn’t dared to hope for—Grace’s heart is healthy!
Gynecologic Clinic
Pamela, 32, is the mother of two young children. She suffered from fibroids that caused heavy bleeding and led to anemia. Dr. Eye performed a hysterectomy. Pamela is ready to go home just two days after surgery. She is already feeling better and is excited to regain her energy and mobility as she returns to caring for her two active children.
Dermatology Clinic
The Dermatology Clinic saw a very unusual case. An 11-year-old girl presented with multiple café-au-lait spots on her skin and freckling in her armpits. Drs. Jay Herrmann and Katee Beaudry recognized these as classic signs of Neurofibromatosis Type 1, a genetic disorder that can cause tumors to grow on nerves and may affect the skin, eyes, ears, and brain. They recommended that the patient be evaluated by a pediatric neurologist. With close monitoring, she can be treated and live well, even if she becomes symptomatic.
The family, unfamiliar with pediatric neurologists, was understandably upset and frightened. We called in Marcela Canedo from our sister organization, Puente de Solidaridad (PdS), to counsel and assist them as they processed the diagnosis. Marcela spent time with the mother explaining how PdS can help. Although the family has no insurance, PdS may be able to cover some scans and assist them in connecting with the appropriate medical resources. PdS social workers will follow up to ensure the girl receives all the care she needs. Dr. Herrmann reassured the family that there is a good chance the girl will be completely fine, emphasizing the importance of regular evaluation so that any issues can be addressed promptly.
Physical Therapy Clinic
In two Physical Therapy Clinics, Kim Stover worked with a variety of patients ranging from babies to senior citizens. She listened to their concerns, performed assessments, and taught them stretches and exercises to relieve pain and improve their range of motion. Several patients confirmed that they would continue to seek physical therapy at Tiquipaya Hospital.
One man was treated for pain in his shoulder, back, and knee. He told Kim how grateful he was that we came to Bolivia to help: “I will remember it.”
Another woman was evaluated for back pain and plans to return with her adult son, who has scoliosis, for an evaluation at the clinic.
Gynecologic Surgery
Soledad, 38, suffered from Asherman’s syndrome, a condition that caused the walls of her uterus to adhere together, making a viable pregnancy nearly impossible. After two miscarriages, Soledad’s dreams of motherhood were beginning to fade, as she could not afford the surgery needed to reverse the condition. When she learned of our campaign, she jumped at the chance to be included. Dr. Ellen Eye performed a successful hysteroscopy that will allow her uterus to function normally, giving her a renewed chance to carry a baby to term.
