Medical Mission in Mongolia

 NATIONAL CANCER CENTER: Thoracic minimally invasive surgical techniques (MIS) with Dr. Ashrafi accomplishing very ambitious goals. Alyson Chin was instrumental in assisting in developing a peri-­‐operative care program. Drs Anderson and Prisman continued to develop flap techniques for reconstruction of head and neck cases. The head and neck team are actively implementing their newly acquired surgical skills. Drs. Butskiy and Luu are working on a project re: peri-­‐operative care at the NCC and this new teaching program was very well received. Anesthetists Drs. Mcneely and Naya have been playing a major role in the peri-­‐operative care program.

GOVI ALTAI: Cataract, ptyrigium and ocular plastics at the Govi altai hospital. On this visit we completed over 100 surgeries for the patients of Govi altai. Surgical supplies were donated by Alcon surgical, Bausch and Lomb as well as AMO companies.Their continued support is critical to the success of our project. Clinical evaluation and treatment of over 600 patients at the eye care clinic. Eye drops from Bausch and Lomb were dispensed for glaucoma and anterior segment. Refractions were also undertaken on this visit (new part of the project) thanks to the provision of glasses from the Canadian Lions club eye glass program. Visits to the SUMS (photo of map re SUMS visited. This outreach program was very successful in providing care and glasses** to patients living in remote regions. The participation of the ophthalmology residents provided a very valuable service. The residents experienced a very valuable exposure to primary eye care.

FIRST HOSPITAL: Development of Vitreo-­‐retinal surgical services at the First Hospital is a very important part of the project. Dr. Enkhtuul is currently in Canada training as a Vitreo-­‐retinal specialist and will be returning in June of 2018 to establish the first such public program in Mongolia. A strong vitreo-­‐retinal service is critical to the development of any ophthalmology program. The challenges to establishing this service will be to raise funds in order to purchase the requisite surgical equipment such as a microscope. Dr. Enkhtuul has also trained in the development of a “wetlab” where residents and community based ophthalmologist can be trained in surgical techniques. Supporting the development of the ophthalmology resident program through didactic lectures, regular rounds and the establishment of a structured training program. The participation of the ophthalmology residents and the staff in the outreach eye care programs in Govi altai and Arkhanghai play a major role in the success of providing care to patients living in remote regions of Mongolia.