OVERSEAS SURGICAL MISSIONS

Since 1999, Dr. Angelchik has participated as a Rotaplast volunteer surgeon to developing nations to treat congenital deformities (birth defects) for medically indigent children and adults. The work focuses on cleft lip and palate procedures and is provided free of charge. Made possible through the generosity of Rotary International clubs in the United States, Canada, and host nations, volunteer Rotaplast teams consisting of plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, nurses, dentists, speech pathologists, and non-medical Rotary volunteers have donated surgical and related services to over 9000 patients since the first mission in 1993. Working closely with the local medical communities at the host sites, Rotaplast missions also promote development of local cleft treatment efforts. "I find the Rotaplast missions to be the most emotionally rewarding work I do as a plastic surgeon. It's a tremendous program which is deeply appreciated by the patients and their families who in many instances have no other opportunity to obtain these services."

Surgical missions typically treat 80 – 150 patients. On a typical mission evaluation of patients takes place at a large screening clinic. Six or seven days of surgery follows, with a follow up clinic prior to departure. Local medical professionals function with the team to provide additional continuity of care. Surgeons on the trips usually treat 25- 40 patients each. Most are infants and children, but adults with cleft deformities are also treated at many sites. Reconstruction of other deformities and burn injuries is also carried out at certain locations.

Bilateral cleft lip and palate patient treated by Dr. Angelchik in La Oroya, Peru 2005

Overseas Missions

• 1993 Giridhi, India - volunteer surgeon, Virginia Childrens Connection

Rotaplast Experience

• 1999 Santiago del Estero, Argentina - volunteer surgeon
• 2000 La Oroya, Peru - medical team leader, volunteer surgeon
• 2001 Lima, Peru - volunteer surgeon
• 2002 ( June ) Lima, Peru - medical team leader, volunteer surgeon
• 2005 ( July ) La Oroya, Peru - medical team leader, volunteer surgeon
• 2008 (April) Guatemala City – medical team leader, volunteer surgeon

For more information about Rotaplast or to make a donation, go to www.rotaplast.org.

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