SpecialtyCare participates in one out of every seven heart procedures in America, and is trusted by over 1,200 hospitals across our service lines. Recently, a group of SpecialtyCare team members traveled to Jamaica for a medical mission trip to provide critical cardiac surgeries for children. Over five operative days, the team performed life-saving heart surgeries for fourteen Jamaican children.
14 Heart Procedures Performed Over 5 Days
SpecialtyCare team member Dr. Jeffrey P. Jacobs, MD, FACS, FACC, FCCP, was the leader of the trip, which only succeeded with the collaboration of our Jamaican hosts, our generous sponsors, our hardworking team members, and the dedicated medical staff in Jamaica. A complex range of procedures were performed to increase the life and livelihood of the children undergoing the operations, including:
- 1 Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair
- 1 Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair – REDO S/P prior systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt
- 1 Double Chambered Right Ventricle (DCRV) with VSD and Subaortic membrane
- 2 Repairs of valvar and supravalvar pulmonary stenosis
- 2 Ventricular Septal Defect Repair – Perimembranous VSD
- 1 Ventricular Septal Defect Repair – Muscular VSD
- 1 Ventricular Septal Defect Repair – Doubly Committed Juxta-arterial VSD
- 1 Pulmonary Artery Band and PDA ligation
- 1 Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) closure
- 2 Complex mitral valve repairs (one for rheumatic heart disease and one for mitral valve prolapse)
- 1 Mitral valve replacement – REDO S/P prior mitral valve repair (with a donated Edwards valve)
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
The patients are healthy and recovering well, thanks to the expertise and support from all parties involved, as well as the collaboration that enabled these procedures to take place. Alongside SpecialtyCare, this medical mission trip was sponsored by the following:
- Cardiac Kids Foundation of Florida and Santo and Vanessa Carollo and Lewis Henry
- Chain of Hope Jamaica
- Chain of Hope London and Emma Scanlan
- Gift of Life International and Rob Raylman
- Edwards Lifesciences and Amanda Fowler and Marc Gayle
- Rotary International
- Ambassador Dan Newlin
Surgeons, doctors, and nurses from multiple hospitals participated in this 2025 Jamaica Mission, including:
- University of Florida
- West Virginia University
- Texas Children’s Hospital
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
- Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
In addition to providing multiple team members on this 2025 Jamaica Mission, Specialty Care also donated multiple pieces of lifesaving equipment that were used on this Mission and will be used in Jamaica for years to come, including several cell savers machines and heater -coolers for the cardiopulmonary bypass machines. The SpecialtyCare team has a vision of saving thousands of lives over decades to come through a combination of partnership, teamwork, and sustainability.
“This mission stands as a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we unite with purpose and compassion,” says Dr. Jacobs. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to this incredible effort!”
Join the SpecialtyCare Team
We believe our team is second to none, and we have a culture that encourages collaboration and peer connection. When we work together effectively, we can provide the best possible care for patients at hospitals and health systems around the country — and in other countries, too! Our mission is to make surgery safer and improve outcomes, which we accomplish through a variety of services and research. If you’re interested in working with other motivated, dedicated professionals and making a difference in the lives of patients, learn more about becoming part of the SpecialtyCare team today!
