Summary

The meeting featured Dr. Erin Stevens, a gynecologist oncologist at Prevea Health, discussing her experiences with medical mission trips to Bolivia through Solidarity Bridge since 2019. Dr. Stevens shared how she began these missions through a former surgery partner's invitation, initially working in Santa Cruz and later in Sucre. She detailed the significant differences between US and Bolivian healthcare systems, particularly in equipment usage and resource conservation. Dr. Stevens emphasized how Bolivian medical staff meticulously maintain and reuse equipment that would be discarded in the US. She highlighted the critical issue of cervical cancer in Bolivia, where screening rates are below 20% and treatment options are limited. The discussion also covered the evolution of her teaching approach, focusing on building sustainable surgical skills among Bolivian doctors and the importance of cultural understanding in medical missions.

Chapters

Introduction to Medical Mission Work in Bolivia

Dr. Stevens described her background as a gynecologist with 11-12 years of experience in rural medicine, practicing in Montana and Wisconsin. She began mission trips to Bolivia with Solidarity Bridge in 2019, initially working in Santa Cruz and later in Sucre.

Impact of COVID-19 on Mission Work

Dr. Stevens discussed how the 2020 mission was cancelled due to the pandemic. She explained the lasting effects on Bolivia's healthcare system, including continued universal masking and delayed vaccine distribution. The pandemic significantly impacted cancer screening rates, which dropped to zero during 2020-2022.

Equipment and Resource Management in Bolivian Healthcare

Dr. Stevens detailed how Bolivian healthcare providers maximize resource utilization, including meticulous cleaning and reuse of surgical equipment. She highlighted the stark contrast with US practices regarding medical waste and equipment disposal.

Teaching and Cultural Exchange

Dr. Stevens emphasized the importance of working in solidarity with Bolivian medical professionals, focusing on teaching surgical skills while learning from their practices and culture. She described the progress made in teaching laparoscopic procedures and the relationship built with local medical staff.

Action Items