On April 20, 1997, the fifth Medical Mission left O'Hare Airport for Sucre, Bolivia. Our group of 32 was the largest and busiest so far.
| new specialties were offered during this trip | Some new specialties were offered during this trip, and also more educational seminars for doctors and nurses. The surgical fields covered were general surgery, urology, dental, oral, and orthopedics. Doctors Trinkus and Jorgenson taught laparoscopic surgery to Bolivian doctors, and left behind the equipment for PROSAC to continue their work. |
| Mary Arthur and Doctor Philippe Castales performed eye surgery with their usual precision. Doctor Brown and Charlene Gardaphe kept a childrens dental clinic running non-stop at the Psicopedagogical Hospital for Handicapped Children. Dr. John Bowden ministered at the prison. | |
| Kathy Lux, a public health nurse, made a sentimental journey to Bolivia, having been a Peace Corps volunteer there in the 60's. She made many contacts for future work in this field. | |
| lectures were very well received | Teresa Via-Reque organized three full days of nursing instructions. Our nurses lectured in their specialties: ER nursing; intensive care; public health; and neonatal nursing. These lectures were very well received, and will continue as part of future trips. |
| Thanks to Carol Gardaphe, Linda Wojtowicz, and Pat Creemens for filling in the gap by doing surgical nursing. And thanks to Donna Priesler and Linda Opalinski for their OR experience and patience in sharing their skills. Maureen Combs, Deanna Dieter, Mary Jane Howles and Charlotte Loizzi ran efficient post-anethesia care. | |
| Thanks also to our pastoral team, especially Bishop Imesch, for their spiritual support and help with the small details that make a mission run efficiently. | |
| the poor were served | The mission goals were accomplished, the poor were served, and PROSAC is continuing its work for the poor throughout the year. Education was an added feature to this trip. |
| Note to the October '96 Mission: Edwin and his mother
say "hello." Edwin underwent the third step of his ear surgery, and all
is looking very good. He is pleased with the results!
Josephine Mulvihill, Nurse Facilitator - April '97
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