Yap Island and Dr. Rosemary: 12.11.2024. Surgical Oncology Volunteerism in Honduras

After a hiatus of several years because of the global covid pandemic, we are back with our volunteer work in Honduras. I serve as the Health Volunteers Overseas Surgical Oncology Director to Honduras. It is a role I really enjoy and has been an incredible opportunity for all involved. I was met at the airport by Dr. Roberto, the Surgical Oncology program director, and it was like we had never missed a beat. He is an amazing person and a true humanitarian. I am so glad we reconnected.

My visits have always been in November and this year was no different. The weather can be milder or stormier but the reason why I like traveling there in November is that there are Christmas trees everywhere! They do not celebrate Thanksgiving Day as we do, so Christmas decorations appear
in the beginning of November. Music, decorations and trees everywhere. I do love it! I could do an entire blog on the Christmas trees - not only in the hotel and shopping malls, but also in every department in the hospital!

This brightly decorated tree is located in the hospital OR.

The next two are in the hotel lobbies.

OK, enough of the trees. I had the opportunity to work with the surgical oncology residents, both in the operating room and in the conference room. I am very impressed with this cohort and reminded them they are the future leaders of surgical oncology in Honduras. In addition to being bright and technically adept, they all also had a great sense of humor.

Here is an "all girl" operating team! The anesthesiologist, the surgeon, the nurse, the residents - all accomplished women. Good for them.

I broke scrub to let the residents close the wound, under close supervision, of course.

This man was the circulating nurse for many of our cases and a delightful person. I remember him from my last visit. It was good to see him again.

Out anesthesiologist - she was great.

The future of surgery is in their hands! Dr Nora (left) is training in gynecology, and Dr Maybeline is a surgical oncology resident. Working with them in the OR was an excellent experience.

It wasn't all work and no play. After we finished in the OR we would enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant. It was a great time to relax and get to know the residents as individuals. Yes, we had sushi in Honduras!

Isn't see sweet? October is also the breast cancer awareness month here in Honduras just like in the USA. Breast cancer is just far too common around the world. Donations from some of my patients at home were provided to the cancer organization for distribution to the women. Look for blonde Honduran women! Yes, they can dye the wigs black, but I am betting someone will wear a blonde wig just because!

Nurses in the surgical oncology ward.

A lunch at a local restaurant complete with Mayan statures and surgical oncology residents.

Lady making tortillas.

The team.

There have always been a few cats in the courtyard. Wonder why????

The kitten looked hungry and was scrounging around the small stones. I was able to communicate to two women to share their lunch with them! We all had a good chuckle at that!

Yes, someone feeds the cats because they eat the mice. Good system.

This was a very good trip. I was able to work with the residents in the OR, teach in the conference room and have good discussions with Dr. Roberto. It is my hope that next year one of the residents from my hospital will want to join me on the next volunteer trip. We have had residents in the past join, and it always seemed to be a good experience for them.

Dr. Roberto and his family. His wife is an academic dentist. The kids were such fun - all are fluent in English and very personable! I enjoyed dinner with them all.