Hope Through Surgery: The first annual "surgery camp"

The First Annual Surgical Mission to St. Dominic’s Mission Hospital

Through a serendipitous meeting, I had the privilege of connecting with Dr. Jay Riseman, a general surgeon and wife Mary McCormick, leaders of the International Surgical Missions (ISM) organization. For over 32 years, they have dedicated their lives to providing free surgical care to underserved populations around the world. After discussing the mission of ISM, I shared the work and vision of Wellness for Africa (WFA). Our conversation quickly revealed a shared passion for providing medical care to those in need, and I proposed the idea of partnering to deliver free surgeries at St. Dominic’s Mission Hospital in Zambia.

Without hesitation, they enthusiastically agreed. We promptly contacted Sr. Elizabeth, RN, Hospital Administrator at St. Dominic’s, who likewise welcomed the proposal with open arms. Thus, the seed for an exciting new direction in capacity-building for WFA was planted.

After six months of detailed planning and coordination, the stage was set. On October 19, 2024, seven members of the ISM team—comprising two general surgeons, one nurse anesthetist, three registered nurses, and one surgical scrub technician—traveled to Ndola, Zambia. They joined the WFA team and the surgical staff at St. Dominic’s for a week-long surgical mission.

The collaboration between the three teams was seamless. Despite the diversity of backgrounds and expertise, everyone brought invaluable knowledge and skills to the table, creating a harmonious and highly effective working environment. Together, we were poised to make a meaningful impact.

Dr. Mukeshimana, the Medical Director of St. Dominic’s collaborated with Dr. Risemen who led the surgical team which included Dr. Rob Sicoli, a pediatric emergency room physician specialist and WFA Board member, and Dr. Pravine, a general surgeon from ISM. Prior to surgery, all patients were carefully screened by the team to ensure appropriate selection for the procedures.

Mary McCormick RN leader in charge for ISM, Linda Moonga RN in charge of St. Dominic’s Surgical Theatre, and myself came together to manage the surgical team members, excluding the CRNA. This well-organized leadership enabled us to deliver high-quality care throughout the week.

By the end of the Surgical Camp, a total of 52 procedures were successfully completed, many of which were life-changing for the patients involved. The camp drew individuals from across Zambia, with some traveling from as far as the border between Tanzania and Zambia to receive care. Regrettably, due to time constraints, some patients had to be turned away.

The first "Surgery Camp," as it was referred to by the local community, was a resounding success. The patients, the Dominican Missionary Sisters, and the surrounding community all expressed immense gratitude for the care provided. The camp’s success has generated significant interest, and there have already been calls for a second annual event.
All teams—ISM, WFA, and St. Dominic’s—are in agreement that we will reconvene for another surgical mission at a future date. St. Dominic’s leadership expressed their need for a gynecological surgeon.  Plans are already underway to expand the scope of the procedures and  fulfill this request.

In closing, it’s clear the ‘First Annual Surgical Camp” at St. Dominic’s Mission Hospital has proven to be an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience for all involved. We look forward to deepening our partnerships and continuing this important work and expanding our reach on behalf of those patients who rely on healthcare services delivered at St. Dominic’s Mission Hospital.

Written by Janelle Feltz, President of Wellness for Africa