Lead Anesthesiologist Harmeet Bhullar, takes a long look at 18 year-old Ye Htet Paing’s cleft lip and palate and says, “We will fix that.” The broadest smile comes across his face. Even though he does not speak English, he understands he will have part one of two very important surgeries for him. Ye Htet Paing is a fisherman from Zalon, along the Ayeyarwady River. He says he just wants to look like everyone else.
Ye Htet Paing is examined by Rotaplast surgeons. He learned of the clinic through a news broadcast by MRTV who visited the hospital last week. Dr. Khin Maung was interviewed by the news crew and has been pivotal in the success of our mission. Ye Htet Paing traveled more than 8 hours by car to come to Nay Pyi Taw.
Tuesday morning Rotaplast Dentist Niosha Edalat and a dozen children practice brushing their teeth.
Our anesthesiologists at work, David Rowen and Michael Johnston. Both are Rotaplast veterans. Myanmar is David’s seventh mission and at least the 25th for Michael. When asked why he continues to volunteer, Michael replies, “I don’t think we become whole ourselves until we give of ourselves to others. More than anything there’s this sense of responsibility. I have a skill set and there are children who need it.”
Mothers also have an important role here at our clinic. They soothe and calm their child in ways no one else really can. It sometimes can be hard to see your child in a hospital bed even when you know the results are good. PACU Assistant Elizabeth Falletta, comforts Ma Maw, the mother of six year-oldMa Kae Kae, in the recovery room. Ma Kae Kae had a cleft palate fistular repair surgery.
Whispering into her daughter’s ear, Ma Maw tells her daughter not to cry and that mommy is right here.
Another mother helps escort her child out of the Operating Room following surgery.
Family members gather to carry two year-old Shwe Poe Eain back to the ward following her cleft palate surgery. Shwe Poe Eain has entertained the ward’s patients and staff waving and blowing kisses.
Towards the end of a long day of surgeries, 13 month-old Wut Hmone Thin arrived at registration with her mother.
Lead Pediatrician Dr. Al Goldberg examines Wut Hmone Thin as her mother Ma Cho Pyone looks on.
Ye Yint Aung, age two and a half, will have surgery on his left hand and foot.