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The team consists of family medicine, general surgery, OB/GYN, plastic surgery, ophthalmology/optometry, and dentistry. This was the fifth year the team traveled to Guatemala. Through the efforts of the Eugene Rotary Club, a second team of volunteers installed high efficiency/clean burning wood stoves in villages surrounding Solola. Many of the plastic surgery cases and chronic respiratory problems are directly attributed to the open flame cooking done both inside and outside their wooden shanty homes.
The hospital was set up on a college campus, formally a military base, in the city of Solola, on the northern side of Lake Atitlan. Tickets had been distributed through public health channels to people in need. Some had traveled days to reach the hospital and many needed care from more than one clinic. . Patients arrived by the hundreds to the entrance of the campus. Patients entered the secured gates and were triaged by our nurses. They were then directed to the appropriate area for further screening and treatment.
The eye clinic performed basic vision and health screening examinations. Dr. Azpiroz, Wendy Karren, and Sonia Westlake saw a total of 507 patients. Glasses collected by the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation back in Oregon were dispensed to those who needed them. Medications were also dispensed as needed. Those needing cataract and/or pterygium surgery were evaluated and Dr. Karren performed surgery, with Lisa Duiker and Nancy Sylva assisting. A total of 20 cataract and 9 pterygium surgeries were performed.
The bonds of family are very strong in the Guatemalan culture. Nearly all of the patients brought several family members with them. A common sight was a young child carrying a sibling on her back using a native garment as a sling.
One particular case was very rewarding. A woman, who arrived on the first day, was able to have cataract surgery that same day and returned three days later for surgery on her second eye. She had an excellent outcome and was able to see the faces of family members for the first time in years. She felt useful once again, as she would now be able to care for her self and help with daily tasks.
Another rewarding experience was helping one of the Guatemalan volunteers. She was there to help others, not thinking of herself. We examined her eyes and discovered she was developing significant cataracts. She had surgery in both eyes and had excellent results. Now she is better able to help her fellow Guatemalans.
A local ophthalmologist worked with Dr. Karren to perform additional surgeries. Dr. Karren was able to teach him new techniques, which will lead to better outcomes for his patients. In Guatemala the government pays for the surgeon, but the patient must pay for the supplies needed for the procedure. Most cannot afford to pay, so they go without. We supplied the local surgeon with what he needed, so the patients he treated while we were there did not have to pay. We left additional supplies. Hopefully this will allow him to treat his patients in greatest need until the team returns. Cascade Medical Team hopes to eventually fund four teams per year to this facility.
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