Sarah Lewis, MPH, CNIM
What is your role with SpecialtyCare and how long have you been with us?
I am an SNIII on the Northern Virginia team and have been with SpecialtyCare for over 5 years.
Why did you choose this mission specifically?
My CM (Kim Hall) has been on multiple trips with World Spine Outreach. She was unable to attend this year and asked if I would like to fill her spot. I jumped at the opportunity!
Do you have a history of participating in similar mission trips?
This was my first medical mission trip and I hope to be able to join this group again in the future.
What did you to do prepare for this trip?
We had to bring everything we could possibly need to work in the OR and cover cases. Scrubs, scrub caps, masks, shoe covers, electrodes, tape….everything. It was a lot of planning, trying to pack as efficiently as possible, which was essentially Tetris with medical supplies.
Did you go with a team? If so, what/who did that team consist of?
I was able to have a CRNA from one of my hospitals join the trip as well as Eddie Bolorino from SpecialtyCare. I had never met Eddie in person, but we were able to be each other’s extra set of hands and support system. The surgeons, scrub techs, nurses, reps, and anesthesia were from all corners of the country and a group from South Korea. One of the surgeons this year was Dr. Jeff McConnell, who is supported by SpecialtyCare.
What is a moment you will never forget from this mission?
It is hard to choose only one. It was eye opening, heartbreaking, and joyous at the same time. The surgeons were beyond kind and patient working with very limited instruments and essentially no imaging. All they had were preop X-rays with no x-ray/imaging support during surgery. They relied heavily on neuromonitoring to ensure safe and successful surgeries. Unfortunately, the trip was short one neuromonitoring clinician, leaving Eddie and I to run flip rooms for multiple days. The surgeons patiently waited as we would unhook and swap rooms multiple times when each case would approach critical points. The level of teamwork and support from everyone was astounding, especially considering most of us were total strangers.
I think one of the happiest moments was during clinic day. There was the most rambunctious 6 year old little boy who kept sneaking up to the ‘prize/treat table’ and would run away with another candy laughing all the way back to his grandmother. He was there for a revision and even knowing what recovery would be like for him, he was all jokes and smiles. Heart of gold in that little kiddo.
If you could encourage anyone to take a medical mission trip, what would you say?
I hope everyone has the opportunity to participate in a mission trip. It is the most amazing feeling to help patients who would otherwise have no access to life sustaining surgeries.
Eduardo Bolorino, CNIM
What is your role with SpecialtyCare and how long have you been with us?
I am the Daytona Beach Clinical Manager and a SN3.
Why did you choose this mission specifically?.
I was a last minute invite from Sarah Lewis from SpecialtyCare
Do you have a history of participating in similar mission trips?
That was my first mission trip doing IONM.
What did you to do prepare for this trip?
I had to take scrubs, tape, extension cord, medicine, mask, cap, gloves, and snacks.
Did you go with a team? If so, what/who did that team consist of?
Yes, I was on a team of 2! It consisted of me and Sarah Lewis from Virginia/Washington DC area.
If you could encourage anyone to take a medical mission trip, what would you say?
Be ready to work from 7am to 6pm, no breaks and a lot of work but, in the end, it’s all worth it.
About the IONM Medical Mission Fund
Children around the world with congenital spinal abnormalities, such as scoliosis, can suffer neurologic dysfunction and/or grow up with challenges walking and breathing. If they unfortunately live in a country that does not offer sophisticated or routine repairs, the impact may even shorten their lifespan. SC CARES was created to help address these medical concerns. In an effort to help you care for others, we hope to help you use your skills to provide for those that do not have access to surgical repair.
The fund will support any neurophysiologist who is willing to donate their time to travel to help monitor children from economically challenged countries who need such spine surgery. The fund will cover costs up to $2,500, for airfare and hotel, for each qualified clinician selected for the award.
Click here to learn more!
