REED’s Be The Good program recently funded Vanderbilt medical resident Jarrett M. Jackson’s work in Guatemala with Medical Missions for Children. There, he focused his time on providing critical surgical care to children in the region, specifically focusing on cleft lip/palate and microtia repairs. The team emphasized education and collaboration with local healthcare professionals, ensuring a lasting and significant impact during their week-long trip.
Read more about his experience in this Q&A:
What did a typical day look like while on this trip?
We began each day with a short walk from the hotel in Antigua to the local hospital around 7 a.m. The hospital is called Las Obras Sociales del Santa Hermano Pedro, and it was founded in the late 1970s by a priest. It has eight operating rooms, and two of those were reserved for our surgical team. Our focus was microtia (deformed ear) reconstruction using cartilage from the patient’s ribs. Each day would consist of a full day of surgery, often with two to three cases per room. Microtia repair is a two-stage procedure, so the children either underwent the first stage or were coming back for the second stage after having received the first stage last year. The first stage involves harvesting the rib cartilage from the patient and then carving this cartilage into the shape of an ear. This cartilage framework is then placed into the pre-existing ear pocket and sutured. The second stage involves opening up that pocket and placing a small piece of cartilage behind the ear so that it projects outward normally. Other modifications can be made during this second stage, as well. The team consisted of five Otolaryngology faculty with sub-specializations in Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, along with me as the surgical resident. We would typically leave the operating room around 6 p.m. each day, just in time for team dinner!
Why did you decide to go on this trip?
This trip served as a valuable opportunity to provide complex surgical care to a population in need. Children with microtia have unique physical challenges, and it can result in profound social and psychological effects. Like other countries in the region, Guatemala faces significant healthcare disparities, particularly in rural and underserved areas like Antigua. Many families do not have the resources or access to specialized surgical and medical care for these conditions. These children will often live with untreated conditions for years due to the high cost of surgery and the lack of medical professionals trained in these specific procedures. As a result, they may face lifelong challenges in communication, education and social integration. We provided life-changing care and made a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families in Antigua. It also allowed me to gain more surgical experience and learn from expert surgeons!
What was your favorite part?
As a surgeon, I love to operate, so spending each day in the operating room was amazing. We were able to make a tangible difference in these kids’ lives that was noticeable as soon as the case ended. The surgical faculty that I worked with were so welcoming and knowledgeable. It was a very supportive environment. I thoroughly enjoyed the team dinners each night, too! Guatemala has some great food.
What is one thing that stuck out?
On the last day, we met with the priest overseeing all the hospital’s medical care and donations. We also met with all the patients and their families. They were extremely grateful for the work that we did, and we were grateful to them for trusting us with their care. It was an extremely touching and gratifying way to wrap up the final day!
Why was this important to you and vital to the community?
This was important to me because it allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and see and experience another country’s healthcare system. These children deserve to be confident in themselves and access high-quality care. I wanted to be able to contribute meaningfully to people’s lives on a global scale, and participating in a service trip of this nature was a fantastic way to do that. The senior faculty I was with have been coming to Guatemala for almost 15 years! They are great role models for me and the tangible impact I want to have on others.
How has participating changed your perspective?
This trip showed me that it is important with surgical mission trips to have sustainable solutions and infrastructure to assist in furthering patient care once you leave. It is easy for us to come in for a week, operate and then leave feeling good about ourselves. What is more important is ensuring that high-quality care continues as best as possible in the interim. Because our team has a long-standing 15-year relationship with this hospital, we have established protocols and systems to ensure that the kids can have regular follow-ups with local physicians. This also helps us to get referrals when we come back next year so that we can continue to expand and impact the lives of others. Displaying cultural sensitivity and establishing mutual relationships go a long way!