

Her words resonated with a sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that her expertise was fostering a lasting impact. "Participating in these missions is among the highlights of my military career, so it's bittersweet knowing it’s my last mission," reflected Lt. This collective effort, driven by the pursuit of excellence, leaves more than restored sight it etches a narrative of solidarity transcending borders, fostering hope for a brighter future. Witnessing a strong TriService presence on this mission has been truly gratifying." "I believe the vision is that we should collaborate just as effectively stateside as we do here. "I've observed the evolution of these missions for over a decade, and as professionals, we recognize that we're all performing the same surgeries and providing superior patient care for the same cause," Seefeldt explained. Air Force demonstrates unity of purpose and aligns with the Defense Health Agency's mission to support the medical readiness of the armed forces. Army mission to a TriService effort involving the U.S. "Witnessing what a diverse group can achieve through dedication and a shared mission is astounding." "The shared achievements, camaraderie, and optimism have been truly inspiring," Cardinale emphasized. In these cross-cultural interactions, the languages of medicine and compassion converged, bridging the gap between medical expertise and human connection. "This opportunity restored sight, improved quality of life, and enhanced functionality for those suffering from blindness, and the impact we leave behind is profound." "I've learned so much from my surgical experiences, along with others' surgical experiences and complications during this trip that have only enhanced our skills and makes us all better surgeons," Cardinale reflected. "The saying goes, a skilled surgeon with basic tools can outperform a less competent surgeon with the most advanced tools."Īlthough phacoemulsification, small-incision cataract surgery is more commonly used to remove cataracts, in resource-limited areas, MSICS holds advantages – shorter surgery duration, reduced technology reliance, and lower costs. Matthew Cardinale, an ophthalmologist at the 53rd Head and Neck Team of the 147th Field Hospital, Joint Base Lewis- McChord, Washington. "While I've performed similar procedures in the U.S., working here presents greater challenges due to various factors," said U.S. Treatment involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear one, often using phacoemulsification, a method involving ultrasound to break the lens for removal through a small corneal incision. The team's primary focus remained on restoring sight, tackling the challenges of cataracts, which occur when the eye's lens clouds, causing vision impairment. "For the benefit of all, having a larger pool of proficient individuals performing procedures is highly advantageous." We view it as a practice, a technique always being refined," she said. "Surgical expertise is a skill continually honed, regardless of experience. In the ever-evolving field of medicine, missions like these go beyond conventional patient care, embodying skill refinement and technique adaptation, reinforcing the idea that surgical practice is an ongoing journey of mastery. "Working in resource-limited settings sharpens their clinical skills while nurturing problem-solving, adaptability, and flexibility, which are crucial as the equipment, methods, and setting often differ from the usual, requiring surgeons to adapt." "These missions exposes junior attendings and residents to diverse medical cases, cultural contexts, and challenging scenarios," she explained.
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It was here that Seefeldt served as one of four subject matter experts and was responsible for mentoring junior surgeons in manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) and pterygium excisions. Luis "Chicho" Fabrega, Santiago de Veraguas, Panama. The three week long, intensive mission unfolded at Regional Hospital Dr. Erin Seefeldt, a seasoned ophthalmologist assigned to the 1888th Head and Neck Surgical Detachment at Joint Base Lewis- McChord, Washington. In July 2023, a team of dedicated surgeons embarked on a mission to address a diverse spectrum of chronic eye conditions, instilling resilience and adaptability for unpredictable scenarios.Īt the heart of this mission was U.S. Every endeavor extends beyond mere moments, offering opportunities to forge connections, sharpen skills, and enhance operational readiness.
