The GWSA is extremely proud of its international medical mission platform. We have engaged in multiple medical missions in various countries in Africa. In order to enhance our Caribbean initiatives, we are currently involved in discussions with the Tobago Health Authority. We are strongly committed to the delivery of quality healthcare in Africa and the Caribbean. Thus far the GWSA has participated in the direct medical/surgical care of approximately 6,500 patients with over 450 patients requiring perioperative care. Operative procedures have included hysterectomies, myomectomies, tumor debulking and excision, hernia repair, vesical-vaginal fistula repair, uterine prolapse repair, cleft lip and palate repair, and various orthopedic procedures.

• With a focus on Africa, the GWSA has been involved in 7international medical missions since its inception in 1997. There have been 5 missions to Nigeria, one to Liberia and one to Eritrea. Upcoming medical projects to Burkina Faso, Ghana and other countries are in the planning. Current projections are for three international medical projects per year.
• GWSA has established a graduate medical education course in Austere Anesthesia. Anesthesia residents who are in good standing with their training facility are welcome to apply for participation in the course. Details available upon request.
• Contributed to the continuing education of anesthesia residents, nurse anesthetists, medical students and physicians in Liberia and Nigeria.
• Established a relationship with Prohealth International a Nigerian based International Medical Missionary organization.
• Last mission to Cross Rivers State in Nigeria had 16 members. Represented by Anesthesiology, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as residents. Over 3,200 patients were served free of charge. 110 surgeries were performed. An HIV prevention education program was introduced in to the Obudu, Nigeria community by the GWSA, with plans for continued follow-up with the community educators that were trained.
• GWSA has the potential to take the medical missionary aspect from a band-aid type of assistance to something that could have significant impact on a larger number of people. The potential is limited by availability and staffing. (The need is enormous!)

• GWSA initiated a share program to obtain usable products for the medical missions.
• The GWSA has developed a working relationship with The SHARE program of Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in 2001.
• Through our emerging mentoring consortium with the SNMA the GWSA has committed to a goal of offering an international medical mission opportunity to 2-4 deserving medical or premedical students per year.
• Accumulated over $200,000 worth of donated medications and medical supplies
• Donated approximately $75,000 of medications and medical supplies to Pro-Health International this year.
• Currently initiating a process of grant development for our international medical programs

• Taiwanese Embassy in Liberia - Special Recognition foroutstanding medical service in Monrovia, Liberi
• Liberian Embassy - Special Citation for exemplary service anddedication to the peoples of Liberia
• American Embassy in Liberia - Special Recognition for outstanding service to the peoples of Liberia
• Special Recognition by the Governor of Cross Rivers tate, Nigeria, April 2001
• Special Recognition by the Governor of Edo State, Nigeria, May 2000
• Special Recognition by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, June 1999
• Special Recognition by the President of Liberia
  November 1999
  
  

• National News Coverage in Liberia during November 1999
• State News television coverage in Cross Rivers State, Nigeria duirng March 2000
• Front page article in the Harford County Aegis newspaper of Harford county, Maryland during May, 2000
• Newspaper article in the Jackson Advocate newspaper of Jackson, Mississippi during May, 2000
• American Society of Anesthesiology Newsletter coverage during March, 2002
• Harford County Cable television coverage during April, 2002