A Journey of Impact and Empowerment
Through our dedicated volunteers, compassionate staff, and collaboration with local healthcare providers, One World Surgery (OWS) brings transformative change to our patients. We sat down with a long-term visitor, who shared their personal experiences, growth, and witnessed the positive impact on the local Honduran community. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of a pre-med student, Nick Parten, who found inspiration and purpose through his involvement with One World Surgery.
What motivated you to become a long-term visitor?
I came last year on my first medical mission trip and loved it. My eyes were opened to the life-changing work that occurs, and I immediately felt the desire to return for a more substantial period of time. I joined as a long-term volunteer position so I could work with more medical mission groups with different specialties. This allowed me to connect with diverse groups of service-centered individuals and engage with patients undergoing different procedures each week.
Can you share a story or experience that exemplifies the impact you witnessed on the local community?
One of the most rewarding experiences I have had as a long-term visitor was during an orthopedic medical mission. I had the opportunity to witness the post-op nurses and physical therapists working with knee replacement patients, helping them walk as soon as an hour after their surgeries. The transformation was astounding. I saw patients who struggled to walk into the pre-op area now moving around with big smiles on their faces. Witnessing this level of improvement and the sheer gratitude of the patients has been incredibly motivating for me as a pre-med student. It fuels my passion to pursue a career in medicine and have the opportunity to change someone’s life in such a substantial way.
How has your experience shaped your understanding of sustainable healthcare initiatives and the importance of capacity-building in underserved regions?
My experience has dramatically shaped my understanding of the pressing need for sustainable and accessible healthcare. Through the research I am conducting, I have directly witnessed the staggering number of people who lack access to healthcare within a two-hour radius. The immense distances patients travel to receive care at OWS serve as a powerful reminder of the urgency for more accessible and sustainable healthcare systems in underserved communities like Honduras.
In what ways have you been able to collaborate with local healthcare professionals and community members to foster long-lasting change?
Working alongside local healthcare professionals during my time has been an incredible experience. Listening to their personal life stories, their journey from childhood to where they are now, particularly in their medical careers, has been truly inspiring. As a pre-med student, these stories provide invaluable insight and wisdom from those who have far more experience than I do. The physicians volunteering at OWS also possess a unique passion for service and a dedication to helping others. They provide top-quality care while also fostering a culture of learning and knowledge-sharing.
Can you share any personal growth or transformation that you’ve experienced through your involvement?
Seeing how appreciative and grateful every single patient is for the care they receive is inspiring and has caused me to appreciate the little things in life that we might often take for granted. Seeing the patients respond in this manner to the care they receive serves as a reminder of why I want to go into medicine.
Through our dedicated volunteers, compassionate staff, and collaboration with local healthcare providers, One World Surgery (OWS) brings transformative change to our patients. We sat down with a long-term visitor, who shared their personal experiences, growth, and witnessed the positive impact on the local Honduran community. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of a Read More