THE MEDICAL MISSION PROJECT - Small World Foundation, Inc.

The Medical Mission Project, occurring an average of 3 times per year, provides general medical and surgical treatments delivered by professional medical personnel, including two surgical teams operating simultaneously; and a third “mini-team” performing minor surgeries.

Since 1995, Small World Foundation, Inc. has conducted medical missions to Ukraine, Central America, the Middle East and Brazil.

The majority of surgical procedures are reconstruction of cleft lip and palate and release of burn scar contractures in children, a prominent defect in poverty-stricken areas. However, when patients present with critical medical needs, Small World Foundation, Inc. taps all possible resources to transport them to the United States for specialized treatment.

On all of our trips, most important, is education of host country surgeons-in-training, including training in advanced surgical techniques. This allows the local physician the opportunity to care for their patients independently after we leave and pass on that knowledge to their colleagues.

Medical teams include anesthesia, plastic surgery, operating room nurses and technicians, recovery room and intensive care pediatric nurses. Non-medical volunteers have contributed services such as record keeping, translating and general troubleshooting. Teams work in cooperation with local doctors and medical facilities.

When possible, surplus supplies and equipment, and educational videos and materials are donated to the local hospitals.

Poverty and limited access to medical care yields staggering deformity rates.

Children born with birth defects such a cleft lip and palate, suffer an almost inconceivable fate…what they really need is corrective surgery to restore their smiles and emotional well-being.

Dr. Arnold and Dr. Hopkins repairing a cleft lip deformity during a 2001 mission.

This surgery performed in Balfte, Honduras, to restore a 2-year old child's smile.

Francesca is a very special 23 year-old woman from Honduras. She was the unfortunate victim of severe burns to her legs as a 4 month old which prevented their normal growth and relegated her to a life on her hands and knees.

All Small World Foundation, Inc. programs are operated in full cooperation with governmental and medical regulations, fully supported by non-medical volunteers, and accompanied by a faith-based leader who establishes a collaborative partnership with local churches prior to, during and after the mission trips. Church personnel serve a critical outreach function by identifying potential patients, arranging transportation and shelter as needed, recruiting volunteers to serve in numerous capacities and assisting patients with acquiring follow-up care.