The U.S. Orthopedic Surgeon Team (from left to right): Dr. Drew Miller, Dr. William Stetson, Dr. Gene Muse, and Dr. Scott Fischer.
In October 2007, Dr.Stetson and his team attained special medical permits to travel to Cuba for the 4th Annual International Arthroscopic Symposium in Ciego de Ávila. The international arthroscopic team included four surgeons from the United States: Dr. Gene Muse, Dr. Scott Fischer, Dr. Drew Miller, Dr. William Stetson and his two pre-medical interns, Brittany and Emily, as well as Dr. Eduard Buess from Switzerland.
Prior to traveling to Cuba, they collected arthroscopic medical equipment with the intention of donating it to the hospitals in the provinces of Havana and Ciego de Ávila.
At the Symposium in Ciego de Ávila, the team distributed equipment and the U.S. physicians presented lectures on anatomy, proper arthroscopic technique and on how to conduct physical examinations. Proper pre and post operative patient education was also discussed.
In addition to equipment donation, the U.S. surgical team also demonstrated how to perform arthroscopic shoulder surgery. All of the surgeries were broadcasted via microphone and video feed to medical students in an adjacent auditorium. Cuban physicians observed the U.S. surgeons perform surgery in the operating room.
Dr. Stetson (right) and Dr. Fischer (left) performing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. All of the surgeries were broadcasted to medical students in an adjacent auditorium. Cuban physicians observed the U.S. surgeons perform surgery in the operating room.
During the stay in Ciego de Ávila, Dr. Stetson and Dr. Buess were honored by the Providence President with humanitarian awards for their contributions to the people of Cuba. It was a heart-warming experience.
The entire team would like to thank Erica Stetson for making this trip possible. Her diligent work in organizing and planning this medical mission allowed the team to experience what they would not have known; the wonders of Cuba and the love shared with the people of Cuba.
At the end of a long day of surgery, Cubans celebrate their hard work with Cervesa! The arthroscopic team (U.S. and Cuban) drinking Cervesa!
This is a picture of the orthopedic ward at the Ciego de Ávila Hospital. In Cuba, medical treatment is very conservative. Almost every patient is put on antibiotics when they are admitted to the hospital. The typical hospital stay for a given patient is two weeks. Medical treatment is limited; however, it is free in Cuba!
Brittany and Emily with medical students from the province of Ciego de Ávila. Medical schools in Cuba accept students from all over the world, including Guyana, St. Lucia, and São Tomé e Principe.
The Malecón, the name of the wall which abuts the sea. This is where most young lovers and youth gather in Havana.
A picture of the light house. Every night at 9pm, a canon is shot to remind the public that the gates of the city will be closing; a tradition which has been long standing.