El Salvador 2010 Day 1

Patient waits in line to be seen on Day 1

Everyone arrived safely to El Salvador coming from different parts of the USA . There were some minor delays in luggage, and passports (will not give any names).  The hotel was very nice and accommodating with a lot of security. The hotel also had a nice pool and Jacuzzi.

We left early Sunday to the clinic where about 115  patients with their  family members were waiting patiently for the docs.  There was a lot of help and support from the local Rotarians.  After being dropped off the nurses went to the hospital and set up all of the materials. The Doctors examined the patients efficiently to determine if they were a surgical candidate or could be treated by our orthotist Mark Holowka. Kevin the anesthesiologist then medically evaluated each surgical patient. We also had the pleasure of having 2 orthopedic surgeons (Dr. Denowitz, and Dr. Pegano) evaluating the children as well.

A local Doctor loaned us his office to evaluate the children. From what we heard this was a big improvement from the previous years.  All together we saw 115 pts in 5 hours. We ended up scheduling  about 41 surgical cases and unfortunately had to put a few in the waiting list. The calmness and optimism of the kids was amazing! Many El Salvadorians traveled long distances to the clinic in Zacatecoluca.  We as residents were overwhelmed by the experience and excited about the upcoming week.