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In April 2016, Dr. Franko joined a 17-member medical mission trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras to participate in a 1-week intensive hand surgery mission trip for the citizens of Honduras. Dr. Franko treated over 100 patients, including 80+ operations performed that week alone. The people of Honduras were very appreciative and grateful for the care they obtained and services they would otherwise not be able to receive.
Machetes are a common weapon in Honduras and as a result, Dr. Franko saw numerous patients with varying degrees of machete injuries, including deep skin lacerations, complete nerve injuries, ruptured tendons, and many amputations. By carefully assessing each injury and developing an operative plan, the group of hand surgeons from the United States was able to offer functional improvement for as many patients as possible.
Machetes are a common weapon in Honduras and as a result, Dr. Franko saw numerous patients with varying degrees of machete injuries, including deep skin lacerations, complete nerve injuries, ruptured tendons, and many amputations. By carefully assessing each injury and developing an operative plan, the group of hand surgeons from the United States was able to offer functional improvement for as many patients as possible.
The mission trip offered an opportunity to witness the Honduras medical system first-hand and help educate their orthopedic and plastic surgeons. Their hospital, Hospital Escuela, is in a state of disrepair with numerous broken and outdated surgical supplies and instruments. The conditions were often hot and humid without a functioning air conditioner. This experience was eye-opening and serves as a valuable reminder of how lucky we are in the United States to have efficient and effective health care delivery, despite its imperfections.
Based on his experience in Honduras, Dr. Franko hopes to continue performing medical mission trips in Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa depending on specific needs. To learn more about Dr. Franko’s mission trips, feel free to ask him about his experience during your visit.