Photo Highlights: Multi-Specialty Mission Trip

The 2018 Multi-Specialty Mission Trip took place September 28 to October 7, 2018, in Mizque, Bolivia. The team included a general surgery operating team, clinical physicians in cardiology, gynecology, pediatrics, family medicine and dermatology, and a physical therapist. US missioners worked alongside their Bolivian colleagues to provide care to hundreds of patients in need. You can read our previous blogs to learn more about the town where we served, the patients we cared for, and hear reflections from the missioners themselves. Below are a few more photo highlights from our trip.

A Long Journey

For most missioners, the journey to Bolivia takes more than 24 hours and three flights.

Visiting the Cristo

During a layover in Cochabamba, the team had an opportunity to visit the famous Cristo statue.

Springtime in Cochabamba

From the Cristo statue, there is a beautiful view of the valley of Cochabamba.

Warm Welcome in Mizque

We received a very warm welcome at the hospital in Mizque, the sign on the wall in blue says, “Welcome to the mult-specialty seminar.”

Mission Central

Our team carried 1,800 lbs of medical supplies in 44 suitcases on this trip. Key supplies are set up in our ‘Mission Central’ room for use throughout the week.

Mission Promotion

Our partners at Puente de Solidaridad arranged lots of promotion to encourage patients to come to the clinic during our trip. Here, missioners are heading to the local radio station to be interviewed.

Local History

The team enjoyed a tour of the local museum and were able to learn more about the history of the region in which we were serving.

Morning Commute

Each day began with a short commute, walking through town to the hospital.

Quechua

The indigenous language of Quechua dominates in the Mizque region. Here is a sign for a unisex bathroom written in both Spanish and Quechua

Cultural Exchange

The team was invited by the hospital staff and municipal government to an evening fiesta and cultural exchange. They enjoyed learning about the traditional dress and dances of Bolivia, and even showed off their own moves doing the cha-cha slide!

Cardiology Clinic

Cardiology is a high-demand specialty in Bolivia, and Dr. Mark Ottolin and his Bolivian partner doctor saw 30-50 patients each day, providing expert care and offering free echocardiograms when needed.

Morning Reflection

Each morning, missioners gathered to reflect on their experiences and prepare for the day ahead.

Morning Seminars

Throughout the trip, missioners provided seminars on a variety of topics. Here, Dr. Monica Joseph-Griffin shares information on treating pediatric sepsis.

Essential Leadership

Big thanks to our fearless leaders: Patricia Vargas, executive director of Puente de Solidaridad, and Ann Rhomberg, executive director of Solidarity Bridge. The close partnership between our two organizations is the cornerstone of our work.

The 2018 Team

Our 2018 Multi-Specialty Mission Team