News Room: Press Releases

Virtua staff takes medical expertise to the Philippines

Thirty-six clinicians and support staff, most from Virtua, recently returned from a medical mission to the Philippines where they cared for more than 700 patients over the course of nearly two weeks.

Just getting to the City of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro province of the Philippines was a challenge. Medical Mission team members traveled on a 23-hour flight, 3-hour bus ride and a 1-hour boat ride to get there. Along with clothes and personal items, they took their medical expertise and caring culture.

The volunteer team -- led by Ninfa M. Saunders, Virtua Executive Vice President for Health Services, and James Dwyer, DO, Virtua Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer -- provided medical and surgical treatment to the residents of Calapan and indigenous tribe members. Most of these people are very poor and cannot afford the necessities of life, including medical care. Many had never seen a doctor or nurse until the Medical Mission Team arrived.

“Our staff and employees never shy away from a challenge,” said Dr. Dwyer. “The outpouring of support for this mission trip was incredible, and we were able to provide medical care to hundreds of people.”

Prior to the team’s arrival in Calapan, 11 crates of donated supplies and medications were sent ahead for the team to use. During the mission, the team used these supplies and medications to care for 707 patients. They performed 44 surgeries, 92 ultrasounds and 100 laboratory tests. The team also tested more than 450 patients’ blood sugar and provided education about diabetes.

“This trip is a prime example of how Virtua’s caring culture extends beyond the hospital walls,” said Ms. Saunders. “Those who participated in the medical mission paid their travel and expenses and many from Virtua who were unable to make the trip donated time, money and talent to the project.”