Medical Mission in Mongolia

2016 Medical Mission

 GOVI ALTAI: The team worked at the Govi Altai Hospital where 90 eye surgery cases were performed (cataract, oculoplastics and pediatric) by Dr. French, Enkhtuul, Dr. Tumurbaatar.  Over 600 eye patients were evaluated and treated.  A visit to two SUM clinics were undertaken under the direction of M. Bat-Erdene (Director of Govi Altai United Hospital) for both eye care and other medical condition to screen and evaluate how best to serve the outlying population.

Th project was very successful with a combination of teaching and providing care to many patients.

NATIONAL CANCER CENTER: Under the leadership of Dr. Tumurbaatar (director of NCC) at this time, there are two teams working at the NCC.  The head and neck surgical team and the thoracic surgery team.  This project involves the Mongolian and Canadian surgeons with transfer of skills and didactic teaching and clinical skills development being the focus.  Dr. Anderson and Dr. Purevdorj continue to develop the head and neck cancer surgery program as increasing complex cases are being completed.  Dr. Ashrafi had performed the first VATS procedure.  And the team is working on plans for Dr. Ganzorig to travel to Canada for a visit and observership.  Drs. McNeely and Naya (Anesthetists) had the opportunity to work alongside and present lectures (Lung Function Assessment and Optimization in Thoracic Surgery) to their colleagues at the NCC.  The present program is under the guidance of Dr. Tumurbaatar (director of NCC).  Future areas of expansion discussed could be in radiation oncology and pathology.

FIRST HOSPITAL: Dr. Byambadorj and Dr. Burebjargal and the Mongolian Ophthalmology Society and the MOH are the leads in this project.  At this time, the focus is on:

  • Training the ophthalmology residents

  • Establishing a wet lab for the surgical training of ophthalmology residents.

  • Developing a program for the medical and surgical management of retina diseases (Dr. Enkhtuul, from the First Hospital is currently training, under the sponsorship of Retina Surgical Associates, at University of British Columbia).

  • Under the direction of Dr. Byambadorj future programs will also be undertaken within the scope of the Laurel Foundation.

 The Minister of Health:  Professor Tsogtsetseg.  A very productive meeting with Minister Tsogtsetseg occurred along with the minister’s advisor Tsetsegsaikhan.  The members of the Laurel Foundation had an opportunity to outline the mandate of the Laurel Foundation; how we are self-financed (no economic burden on MOH) and the projects that are ongoing and planned under the direction of the MOH and the medical community.