Volunteer Opportunities :

Anesthesia for Underserved Populations in the Philippines

Through PAGES (Philippine American Group of Educators and Surgeons) , Drs. Ed Mariano and Gloria Cheng had the opportunity to provide anesthesia for the indigent people of Philippines . The majority of surgeries were cleft lip and palate repairs, however, other procedures included orthopedic and general surgeries. Dr. Mariano looks forward to continuing this near yearly volunteer mission with PAGES and UCSD residents.

Anesthesia for Underserved Children in Mexico

Many residents and attendings have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in Interface , a volunteer group designed to offer reconstructive surgery to children in Mexico . Surgeries include cleft lip and palate repair, correction of hand deformities, burn reconstruction, and other congenital and acquired deformities. Trips often involve weekend dates to various Mexican cities, including Mexicali , which is a short drive southeast from San Diego . These opportunities are offered several times a year.

Anesthesia for Underserved Children in Ecuador

Sponsored by Project Perfect World Foundation and the Father Damian Foundation, Dr. Ed Mariano travels to Guayaquil, Ecuador, once a year to volunteer pediatric and regional anesthesia services as part of a pediatric orthopedic mission to the Dr. Roberto Gilbert Elizalde Children's Hospital.  Dr. Vanessa Loland, Regional Anesthesia Fellow, teamed up with Dr. Mariano for the Fall 2006 mission.

Anesthesia for Underserved Children in Cambodia

In August 2006, a team including anesthesiologists and pediatric cardiac surgeons from UCSD and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego went to Cambodia to perform Patent Ductus Arteriosus ligations at the Angkor Wat Hospital for Children. 15 children, ranging in age from 8 mos to 14 yrs, underwent successful operations. Overall it was an rewarding experience to both the children and the visiting team.

Anesthesia for Underserved Children in Cambodia

In July 2006, Dr. Christine Nieman and her husband, also a UCSD anesthesiology grad, went to Kijabe, Kenya with a team from World Medical Missions dedicated to repairing cleft lips and palates.  In the two week period, over 80 children from Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda were served.