From Classroom to Operating Room: Medical Students Volunteer with One World Surgery

Can you describe your background and what inspired you to volunteer with One World Surgery?

Anna: I am a third-year medical student at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). I was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, attended the University of Virginia, and majored in molecular biology. My research work and interests explore identifying disparities and real-world associated risk factors of ophthalmologic diseases using big data, with a focus on glaucomatous disease progression and micro-invasive glaucoma surgery. As a student of medicine, I am committed to working with disadvantaged and underserved communities who have limited access to basic healthcare services. My passion for serving those in need extends beyond my research work. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity provided by One World Surgery to serve communities in need.

Luke: I am also a third-year medical student at EVMS. I grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and majored in systems and information engineering with a minor in business at the University of Virginia. After graduating in 2019, I received a master’s degree in biomedical science through the Medical Master’s Program at EVMS. I worked as an ophthalmic technician at Virginia Eye Consultants and attribute much of my interest in ophthalmology to my time interacting with patients at the eye clinic. Working as co-president of EVMS’s ophthalmology club, I volunteered and coordinated events for working with the underserved populations in our local community. One World Surgery allowed my wife and me to expand our horizons and volunteer with communities facing global health crises.

What aspects of the organization’s mission and work resonated with you as medical students interested in ophthalmology?

Anna & Luke: We desired to engage and support OWS’s underlying mission of functional diplomacy and integrative micro- to macro-scale coordination efforts to develop sustainable clinical care models in underserved, culturally diverse communities. Additionally, we wanted to be a part of the endeavor to deliver and improve access to medical education and technology in areas with limited resources. As the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment continues to grow, we feel that we as healthcare workers are responsible for improving the quality of life and ocular health disparities in impoverished communities, leading to a brighter future for global ophthalmic and primary care.

Could you share a specific example of a patient case or experience that had a significant impact on your learning journey?

Anna: An older man who could barely walk was rolled on a gurney into the operating room. As Luke and I provided an arm and support as he moved to the bed, we could feel him shaking. I looked into his eyes and saw his fear and anxiety about his surgery. We each held his hand as he was sedated for his procedure. His surgery was more difficult than most, but after three hours, our team was able to remove his cataract and implant a new lens for him to see. Upon regaining consciousness after the procedure, he remained quiet. With the help of Luke and me, he was able to stand up from the operating table and move to the gurney to leave the room. But then something unexpected happened. He stopped us, put his arms around us, and whispered with tears forming in his eyes, “Estoy muy agradecido por todo tu trabajo” (translated: “I am so grateful for all the work you have done.”) Our hearts were touched, and we could not help but embrace him back and express our sincere appreciation for the opportunity to care for him. In the healthcare profession, it is a privilege to earn someone’s trust and take care of their health. Luke and I felt truly honored to interact with such kind and compassionate individuals like those we met in Honduras.

How did your interactions with the fellows and other medical professionals enhance the learning experience?

Anna & Luke: We are incredibly grateful for all that we learned from the fellows, attendings, and other medical professionals. We felt fortunate to witness how Dr. Kevin Barber and Dr. Stuart Galloway interacted with patients and the local healthcare workers. They demonstrated unparalleled excellence in their talents for encouraging and educating fellows, students, and the local healthcare staff in a manner that inspired personal and professional growth. We appreciated their selflessness in taking the time to highlight interesting concepts and discuss their reasoning behind various surgical approaches to not only us, but to the patients. They made it their mission to improve the lives of those in Honduras both through their medical care and through their desire to teach and educate the Honduran community. Working under Dr. Barber and Dr. Galloway’s service was truly a memorable experience and an honor!

In what ways do you believe your volunteer work with One World Surgery has made a positive impact on the communities you served?

Anna & Luke: Incredible, lasting bonds were formed between the amazing individuals on the OWS team, the compassionate local healthcare workers, and the gracious Honduran community. Over the course of our trip, we were able to improve the quality of life and visual capabilities of over one hundred individuals through life-changing surgeries to prevent blindness.

Anna, your father Bill, was also present during your volunteer experience. Can you share how having a family member participate in the mission impacted your journey?

Anna: My dad has been the greatest role model in my life since I was a child. I will always cherish the memories of our trip where we spent quality time together caring for patients and creating meaningful bonds with the local Honduran people. My dad has such a genuine and compassionate heart that is visible to all with whom he interacts. I can still picture him laughing and conversing with the local Honduran workers and patients, and the love and respect he showed them. He treats everyone with the same kindness and care, as if they are his own family, and remembers each person’s name from the very first time he hears it. It was moving to see three healthcare workers give him big hugs and ask him to come back soon to visit them, and how much they would miss him. I am so grateful for having such an inspiring father, and I aspire each day to grow to become the kind of physician he is, full of expertise and compassion toward my patients. I am excited to continue working with my father and participating in more OWS medical missions that bring hope, healing, and love to communities in need.

What advice would you give to future volunteers who are considering joining One World medical mission trips?

Anna & Luke: If you have a passion for service, do not hesitate to become a part of the One World team. Your life will be changed by the lives you touch. The people you will meet and the bonds you will form are gifts and relationships that you will not find anywhere else in the world. We strongly encourage others to take a step forward and see the incredible experiences that lie in engaging and supporting the OWS community.

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