An “incredible experience” is how Dr. Charles Leinberry, Jr. of the Rothman Institute described his mission trip to Guatemala last month to help treat indigent patients.

Dr. Leinberry, a hand surgeon, traveled with four other surgeons and a team of more than 40 that included anesthesiologists, pre-med students, nurses, translators, and others who performed administrative duties. His daughter, Morgan, helped out as well, providing pre-op care for children.

The mission trip was through SurgiCorps International. The organization assembles volunteers who make several trips throughout the year to developing countries where medical care is lacking and in great need.

Dr. Leinberry found, indeed, that there was a great need for care. He saw 35 to 40 patients, 24 of whom underwent surgery. Most surgeries entailed reconstructive procedures to correct deformities and old injuries, including webbed hands and a machete injury to a person’s hand and face.

As a group, the five surgeons performed 108 surgeries.

Patients ranged from six months old to in their 40s and were treated at a hospital in Antigua, in southern Guatemala. One woman walked two hours to be treated.

The experience was a highlight of Dr. Leinberry’s career. “What a privilege it was to help those who otherwise would not have had an opportunity to receive life-enhancing care,” he said.

Dr. Leinberry specializes in treating hand and upper extremity injuries and disorders. He recently joined the Rothman Institute full time.

See photos from the mission trip...