Medical mission in Mongolia

Thoracic Team

Dr. Ahmed Ashrafi, Dr. Ganzorig and his team performed 7 Video Assisted Thorascopic Surgeries (VATS) such as lobectomies, wedge resections, chest wall tumor, mediastinal schawanomna and hydatid cyst.  As well as a combined case with Dr. Don Anderson and Dr. Eitan Prisman. Dr. Ashrafi is proud that Dr. Ganzo and his thoracic team were responsible for performing all of the procedures with no complications.  This program continues to evolve.  Dr. Ashrafi is planning a Thoracic Fellowship program in Canada and has a long-term commitment to the program. 

Head and Neck Team

Dr. Anderson, Dr. Prisman and Dr. Puje and his team performed nine complex surgeries.  This included reconstruction with free flap, biopsies and septum surgery with no complications.   With the skills taught by Dr. Anderson, the Head and Neck team are able to perform the vascular and anastomosis during liver transplant surgeries. The strong bond between the Canadian and Mongolian Head and Neck surgeons guarantee the success of this program.

Peri-operative Care Program

Alyson Chin, Nurse Practitioner, is the leader of this program.   Alyson’s project was supported by a Canadian anesthesia team (Dr. Jeff Rains, Dr. Harald Bettger and Dr. Joe Fischer).  Alyson has involved the anesthetists, nurses and residents from the NCC.  Alyson is committed to the improvement of postoperative patient care.  She has developed a long-term plan to ensure the success of this program.  Involving all the medical team in the management of patient care ensures optimum outcomes after complex procedures.

Linda Coleman, Physiotherapist, was a new addition to this evolving team.  The importance of physiotherapy in mobilization of postoperative patients will also reduce postoperative complications.

Pathology

Dr. Jim Cupples continues to assist the Pathology department.  Dr. Cupples has arranged for a Pathology Fellowship Program in Vancouver, Canada.

Ophthalmology

The first visit to a province always encounters challenges. Dr. Mogi and the team at the Dalanzadgad provincial hospital assisted the team in overcoming the problems. The Mongolian and Canadian team performed 48 cataract surgeries, 10 pterygium and 10 oculoplastic. Teaching was a principal focus of the surgery. Over 500 patients were evaluated and treated in the clinics organized by Dr. Mugi. Dr. L Napier, assisted by a resident from the First Hospital, visited 3 SUMS and treated over 145 patients. A 5 year MOU was signed by the Laurel Surgical Foundation. This represents our long-term commitment to Omnogovi province. The team members and residents of the First Hospital and the Laurel Surgical Foundation look forwards to many years of working together to assist in the eye care of patients in Omnogovi.