Volunteer Work - International Arthroscopic Symposium in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba

In October 2007, we (Brittany and Emily) attained special medical permits to travel to Cuba with Dr. William Stetson and his orthopedic colleagues for the 5th 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, as well as Dr. Eduard Buess from Switzerland. Emily and I were honorary members of the international arthroscopic team! View the videos of the trip: Video 1 | Video 2 | Video 3

Prior to traveling to Cuba, we 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, our team distributed equipment and the U.S. physicians presented lectures on anatomy as well as proper arthroscopic technique. Our team also gave lectures on how to conduct physical examinations, and proper pre and post operative patient instruction.

In addition to equipment donation and technique instruction, the U.S. surgical team also demonstrated how to perform non-invasive, arthroscopic 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. The operating room was very crowded!

At the hospital in Ciego de Ávila, we were given the opportunity to follow several of the medical students in their orthopedic clinical rounds. We learned that much of the medicine practiced in Cuba consists of conservative treatment, even when surgical intervention was necessary. Cuba’s medical treatment is limited by its lack of medical supplies. Cuba’s limited resources made us realized how important it is to continue to build bridges between the U.S. and Cuba. It is our hope that one day our two countries will have good relations.

During our stay in Ciego de Ávila, Dr. Stetson and Dr. Buess were honored by the Providence President with humanitarian awards for their contributions and inspiration. It was a heart-warming experience.

After the Symposium in Ciego de Ávila, our team was able to spend some time in Havana where our kind hosts, Dr. Rodrigo Cambras Alvarez and his wife took us to see the famous Buena Vista Social Club perform live. Havana is a city with much history. It has captivating architecture, and the cars looked as if they were untouched since the 1950’s!

The people of Cuba are one of the most family oriented, hospitable, and welcoming people we have ever met. Their love for music and wonderful food added to the amazing cultural experience.

Thank you to Erica Stetson for making this trip possible. Her diligent work in organizing and planning this medical mission allowed us to experience what we would not have known; the wonders of Cuba and the love shared with the people of Cuba. Also, thank you to Dr. Stetson and Dr. Powell for giving us a chance to see medicine outside of the U.S. You both are an inspiration for us to pursue medicine and to one day continue to carry on this tradition in teaching medicine in other countries.

Warmly,
Brittany Doremus & Emily Fu
The Stetson Powell Pre-med Interns of 2007-2008

View the videos of the trip: Video 1 | Video 2 | Video 3

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