2016 ADULT SURGICAL MISSION
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Through the invitation and support of Fundacion HeartCare Dominicana, CardioStart International returned for a 4^th mission to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Hospital Corozonas Unidos.

This very successful mission was focused on adult congenital and acquired heart disease surgical treatment. Eight patients aged 17 to 70 received life-saving heart surgery. An additional 4 patients received pacemaker/defibrillator implants through the donation of devices from Medtronic Inc.

Despite being known for its beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts there is huge disparity in available healthcare for impoverished patients especially for expensive, complex heart surgery. This combined with large numbers of rheumatic heart diseased valve patients the need for surgical care is great. During this return mission, we show support for the sustainability of the program, as well as teach new skills to advance the practice of cardiac surgery here in Santo Domingo.

Our team was embraced with the warmth and welcoming spirit felt by many who visit this tropical island. They worked side-by-side with the local healthcare providers at Hospital Corozonas Unidos to provide care for these medical deprived patients.

PATIENTS

Patients

CARDIOSTART TEAM

Mission Team

Mariano Brizzio, MD	Cardiothoracic Surgeon/Team Lead
Pablo Zubiate, MD, CCP	Perfusionist
Srinivasa Edara, MD	Intensivist
Jeff Levine, MD	Anesthesiologist
Alicia Smith, RN	Scrub Nurse
Elaine Dyskin, PA	Circulator
Rolando Rodriguez, MD	Cardiologist
Denise Jenn, RN	Adult ICU Nurse
Nazeli Leake, RN	Adult ICU Nurse
Andrea Koepping, RN	Adult ICU Nurse
Erin Acker, RN	Adult ICU Nurse
Catherine Kinard, RN	Adult ICU Nurse
Morgan Cowger, EMT-P	Database Researcher
Janine Henson, RN	Mission Director