From Healing to Teaching

Bolivian neurosurgeon Dr. Carlos Dabdoub perfects drilling techniques using a microscope.

Written by Mary McCann Sanchez, Senior Director of Programs

After performing several spinal fusions and transnasal surgery at the San Juan de Dios public hospital in Tarija, Solidarity Bridge’s neurosurgical mission moved from the south of Bolivia to the bustling city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The surgical mission ended with a collective prayer of thanksgiving ---  and a new task unfolded. Building on the momentum of the upcoming 11th Congress of the Neurological Society of the Southern Cone, Solidarity Bridge led the first Boot Camp for 27 residents in neurosurgery from Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Chile and Argentina. 

Heal and teach...dialogue and learn….ensure sustainable quality care. Dr. Robert Dempsey of the Foundation for Education in Neurological Surgery, an invaluable partner in the Boot Camp, reminded residents and surgeons of the temporal nature of our being. A healthy child today may be a patient tomorrow; medical colleagues depend on each other to heal. Through solidarity, resource-sharing and mutual learning, we bridge existing gaps and build better systems. And for that too, we give thanks.

Dr. John Weaver instructs at the spine station during the first Boot Camp in Bolivia.