Ophthalmologist Sought for Partnership in the Congo

Partners in Mission is still seeking a MSICS or ECCE trained cataract surgeon to work together with a Congelese ophthalmologist sometime in 2012 between May and September for higher volume cataract surgery.  (date to be set by the surgeon volunteering)  Please read below to know more about the opportunity.  For questions, see contact details below.

The Congo Partnership:

In the late 1990s a partnership was established between the people of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference and those of the Central Congo Episcopal Area of the United Methodist church. Our Partnership brings renewal and restoration of spiritual and material ministries for the whole church and especially its children. Through this partnership, we have the opportunity to give dramatic testimony to the unity of the body of Christ, to the mutuality of love and to the promise of life that overcomes death. The Mpasa Medical Center serves a community that is largely refugees from Sudan.  Surgery, pediatrics, internal medical, pharmaceutical and laboratory services provide treatment for almost 5000 people annually. Also, because malnutrition is a major factor affecting the lives of the area residents, the Center provides a nutritionally complete meal to 350 children daily.

The purpose of this mission is to provide the most comprehensive and accessible cataract surgery procedures to the largest number of patients in the Mpasa Clinic area, to build relationships, bring hope to the Congolese and learn sensitivity to the culture.

Plan:

 ·        A small team including 1 US licensed ophthalmologist, and 2-3 partnership members will travel to Mpasa sometime between the end of May and the fall of 2012 to provide cataract surgery for affected Congolese residents.

·        The date for the mission will largely be set according to the US ophthalmologist’s preference and availability.

·        Cataract surgery will be performed on eligible Congolese residents by a US ophthalmologist and a Congolese ophthalmologist.

·        Post-surgical follow-up will be supplied by the Congolese clinicians. 

·        Dr. Roger Kapembu is the ophthalmologist practicing in the Kinshasa area.

·        The surgeries will be conducted at the Mpasa Clinic, a mission of the Congo Partnership, directed by Dr. Yohadi, a female gynecologist who cares for ALL patients, not just GYN or OB. 

·        Dr. Kapembu will be assisted by his nurses and techs in surgery.

Expectations:

·        US licensed ophthalmologist proficient in MSICS or ECCE. Phacoemulsification will not be available.

·        A new portable surgical microscope was recently purchased for this mission. Specifications available upon request.

·        Cost, including passport, visa, immunizations and travel will be approximately $3000. Accommodations in a secure mission center will be provided by the Partnership.

This slot is VERY flexible and they will bring the details together to meet the physician's schedule.  If interested, please email Donna Baker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .