Rivas – Medical Hands for Healing completed another exciting day helping the people of Nicaragua with pediatric surgery, general surgery and plastic surgery procedures. Medical mission trips like these require coordination and focus to be successful and I’m happy to report that the Rivas 2011 team is up for the challenge. They have successfully completed two days of intensive surgery with great results. Enjoy some of the highlights below.

Kim with a local Nicaraguan pediatric patient.

Stephanie and Jan prepping for a plastic surgery case.

Mike and Jeannette doing a wonderful job on instrument sterilization.

Steve and Joe ready for the next case.

Rivas – Medical Hands for Healing completed it’s first medical mission in Nicaragua today by performing nine surgical procedures. Here are a few photos of the talented physicians that have volunteered to help the people of Nicaragua.

Dr. Juan Acosta performing surgery in the Rivas 2011 medical mission. Dr. Acosta is also teaching the local Nicaraguan physicians modern surgical techniques.

Dr. William Leighton performing a skin graft in Rivas 2011 medical mission with Medical Hands for Healing.

Dr. Lisa McMahon performing surgery and instructing local Nicaraguan physicians and surgical techs.

Medical Hands for Healing 2011 Rivas team.

Medical Hands for Healing arrives in Nicaragua for the 2011 medical mission to Rivas.

San Juan Del Sur – Scottsdale based non-profit Medical Hands for Healing arrived to Nicaragua on Saturday November 5, 2011 to start a one-week medical mission in Rivas. We will be performing a range of procedures related to pediatric, plastic and general surgery. We are grateful for the support and donations to make this trip possible and our talented team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, nurses, surgical techs, support staff and translators are ready to make a difference.

Scottsdale – Medical Hands for Healing is preparing to leave for Nicaragua tomorrow 11/5/2011 and we look forward to starting the medical mission in Rivas. The team is energized and ready to help with general surgery, pediatric surgery and plastic surgery patients. Stay tuned for more updates from the trip!

Granada – Medical Hands for Healing has completed the medical mission to Granada, Nicaragua. It has been a pleasure working and helping the Nicaraguan people on this trip. Thanks to all the professionals on the trip that did a superb job all week long.

2011 Granada, Nicaragua Medical Hands for Healing Team

Granada – Today was a fabulous day for the Medical Hands for Healing team as well as the Nicaraguan people because the local physicians started and completed cases on their own. The hard work during the week to train, educate and teach is paying off with the increased knowledge and confidence being displayed by the local physicians. We are almost to the finish line but it’s looking like this trip will have the potential to make a significant impact for countless Nicaraguan patients in the future!

Nicaraguan physicians with Dr. Avellanet and Dr. Desai.

Dr. Desai overseeing the local Nicaraguan surgeons in surgery.

Mike and Dr. Desai observing the Nicaraguan surgeons.

Dr. Desai training the local Nicaraguan physicians.

Flor interacting with Nicole, Chrissy and Mike in the scheduling area.

Dr. Castillo, Mike and a Nicaraguan surgical tech.

Jan, Herman and Dr. Pivai in the pre-operative area.

Jan and Tom sterilizing instruments.

Ryan and Tom.

Dr. Paivi in the supplies and equipment room.

Jan, Genaro and Monica.

Local Nicaraguan nurses and surgical techs with Sylvia.

Jacquie, Dr. Avellanet & Monica.

Group shot of Dr. Desai, Tom, Karen, Ryan, Genaro, Jacquie, Jan, Chrissy, Nicole, Mike and Sylvia.

Granada – It’s important to highlight that we are spending a concerted effort in teaching the local Nicaraguan physicians as well as carrying out the medical mission. The daily lectures reinforce the techniques and philosophies on the highly technical gynecology surgery that we are performing as well allowing for open communication and discussion.

Dr. Desai and Dr. Avellanet with Nicaraguan physicians.

Dr. Avellanet lecturing on advanced gynecological surgery.

A local Nicaraguan physician asking a question during the lecture.

Dr. Desai listening to the questions being asked by the Nicaraguan physicians.

A Nicaraguan physician in discussion with Dr. Avellanet.

A local Nicaraguan physician in a discussion with Mike.

A local Nicaraguan physician with Dr. Avellanet.