Michael Large, MD of Urology of Indiana returned from a recent mission trip to Africa with physician colleagues from UCLA and Vanderbilt. This is Dr. Large’s 3rd trip in 4 years and part of the International Volunteers in Urology (IVUmed) program. The organization provides medical and surgical education to physicians and nurses as well as treatment to children and adults in low-resource areas of Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Uganda Cancer Institute hosted the Uro-Oncology Surgical camp to bring world-class Uro-Oncologists from the U.S. to join forces with their local healthcare teams.
During these trips, patients from Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan have been treated. Over 50 oncologic surgeries were performed, including 9 cystectomies, prostatectomies, renal surgeries and others. Patients from prior years who have had cystectomy and neobladder and cystectomy ileal conduit procedures were seen in followup. “We worked from morning until night. The power went out three times during a cystectomy, and air conditioning was out for half a day – which is brutal at the equator,” said Dr. Large.
Dr. Large and his colleagues collaborated with Urologic Oncology surgery teams from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Weekly virtual planning conferences with patient presentations preceded the camp for thorough preparation. After the camp’s completion, weekly outcomes were reviewed by the team for education and teaching purposes.
Dr. Large was offered a goat to sacrifice in commemoration of the camp’s success – one of the highest honors in Ugandan culture.
“We thank the international team for the support given to the people of Uganda. We thank you for the skills and the friendship. The visit to our home has made us brothers. Greetings to your lovely families who are always supporting you. May the good Lord bless you,” said Dr. Godfrey Nabunwa.
“It was wonderful having you. We learned a lot, improved on our skills, touched many lives, mentored many. Thanks for accepting our invitation to a goat’s slaughtering function,” said Dr. Henry Dabanja.
Dr. Large acknowledged their appreciation of supplies donated by Community North and East Hospitals and Ethicon Surgical Technologies. An entire suitcase of supplies was utilized and returned empty. Those interested may contribute to ivumed.org to support further such camps and education.