We work with underserved international communities
On our most recent trip to Patzun, Guatemala held in May 2024, we had a team of 21 people on the mission, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical techs, nurses, sterilization specialists, and a small number of non-medical personnel for logistics and interpreter support.
During the week at the Corpus Cristi Hospital in Patzun, 50 procedures were completed on 49 patients. We performed 18 laparoscopic cholecystectomies (gall bladder removals), 25 hernia repairs, and 7 excisions of masses.
Each mission that FWP engages in, we look at the types of surgeries and services that we are able to offer, both with respect to the needs of the local people as well as the skillset that the final assembled team has. Also, in future missions, we expect to add a community project that would be conducted by non-medical volunteers on the mission.
On the Horizon
A small group of dedicated medical professionals and support volunteers began this journey with one trip to one hospital. After seeing the impact that providing surgical procedures to underserved communities can have, we realized that this journey had just begun. Friends with Purpose has found its purpose and is looking hopefully towards the future and all the potential impact that is possible.
Collaboration
We work with groups, hospitals and social service organizations that work with underserved communities. It's always a collaboration, and one where we all joyously come together to bring surgical procedures where they are needed most.
Expertise
Our dedicated medical professionals and support volunteers are vetted for their suitability for the mission trips. They bring their domain expertise and all of their knowledge with them and seek to set a new standard for quality, concern and care.
Compassion
Every patient everywhere in the world deserves compassion along with their surgical procedure. Our trips begin and end with compassion. The impact it has on all of us is limitless.
