neuro-institute
 

Mission

The Neurosurgery and Neurology Institute is a program of Solidarity Bridge. In a spirit of solidarity, we partner with communities in Bolivia and Paraguay to increase access to safe, affordable surgery and other essential health care.

 

Our Guiding Principles

Solidarity Bridge is rooted in the Catholic tradition of social justice. We welcome all regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, ability, or age. Our work is guided by these principles:

Upholding values of human dignity, justice, and the common good
We believe all people deserve to have the conditions necessary for health and well-being. We give priority to serving those with limited resources.

Honoring the locally prioritized needs of our host countries
We seek to embody a spirit of humility and cultural sensitivity. We hold ourselves to standards of mutual partnership and bidirectional learning.

Working for greater equity in health care
We aim to build capacity and develop sustainable, asset-based solutions that reduce disparities. While we treasure individual charitable acts, they are insufficient to address systemic inequality.

Recognizing best practices in the field of global health
We commit to careful preparation, ongoing evaluation, and accountability for our actions.

 
 

History and Accomplishments

Our program began in Bolivia in 2006 under the leadership of neurosurgeon, Dr. Richard Moser, and Solidarity Bridge founder, Juan Lorenzo Hinojosa. In 2018, the Institute embarked on new, collaborative initiatives with the neurosurgical community in Asunción, Paraguay. The Institute also supports the advancement of care for epilepsy patients in Bolivia through collaborations with physicians and institutions involved in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.

25+   Mission Trips

127 Missioners (33 Unique Missioners)

367+ Neurosurgeries

24   Courses, including 2 International Bootcamps for neurosurgery residents

18   Partner hospitals in 6 cities in Bolivia and Paraguay

55+ Unique Bolivian and Paraguayan neuro partners

$5,300,000+ Value of neuro supplies delivered

 

Officers

Leadership Council

Martin Aliaga, MD   
Hospital Obrero de la Caja Nacional and Clínica CEMES, La Paz

Jared Ament, MD, MPH  
Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital, California

Robert Dempsey, MD 
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Art DiPatri, MD
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Kurt Florian, JD
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago (former)

David Gardeazabal, MD
Hospital Santa Barbara, Sucre, Bolivia

Juan-Lorenzo Hinojosa, Ph.D
Solidarity Bridge/Puente de Solidaridad

Jose Kuzli, MD
Hospital Nacional de Itauguá, Paraguay

Barbara Lazio, MD 
Providence, St. Peter Hospital, Washington

Jeff Loeb, MD
University of Illinois at Chicago 

Pablo Maidana, MD
Hospital Nacional de Itauguá, Paraguay

Ann Rhomberg, MSW
Solidarity Bridge, US

Miguel Saenz, MD
Neuroalivio and Clinica los Olivos, Cochabamba, Bolivia

Gueider Salas, MD 
Caja Petrolera de Salud and Clínica Foianini, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Patricia Vargas Rojas, M.Ed
Puente de Solidaridad, Bolivia

John Weaver, MD
Penn State Health St. Joseph, Pennsylvania