I became a doctor to help people. It gives me great satisfaction to help people that don't have access to the care that we routinely give our patients in the United States. I enjoy teaching young physicians in the latest techniques. It is an amazing and fulfilling experience to go to different cultures and different countries to serve the less fortunate and to teach. I get far more out of the experience than I put in and come back a better person than I was when I left for the Mission. I self-funded the airfare and purchased many surgical instruments and equipment for the trip. The University of Guinea, Conakry provided lodging, food, and transportation in Guinea. SEE International, Alcon, Morcher, FCI, Microsurgical Technology, and Omneros donated surgical supplies, surgical instruments, and pharmaceuticals. The University of Guinea, Conakry purchased 6 sets of American surgical instruments. We brought 9 suitcases of equipment, instruments, and supplies to Guinea from Chicago. I gave 3 lectures about cataract surgery to the Residents and performed cataract surgery on needy patients. I received no financial compensation. This was my 13th International Mission and I plan to go on more in the future. I have gone on Missions to Vietnam, Honduras, El Salvador, and Panama previously.
