UROGYNECOLOGY

The foundational program for IOWD, the urogynecological fistula program, is the cornerstone of this organization.  Obstetric fistula is a tragic health concern for hundreds of thousands of women in under-resourced nations, and IOWD’s fistula program brings highly trained subspecialty surgeons to Rwanda to help women who are affected by this devastating condition.  The life-restoring work that the fistula team does is made possible by the support of talented nursing staff and anesthesiologists who travel with the team of urogynecologist and urologists.  The team triages over 100 women each mission, and completes complex surgical procedures on approximately 50 women, restoring their function and giving them back their life.  The multinational team works in partnership with Rwandan students and physicians, teaching them evaluation, surgical techniques, and post-operative care. Although the prevention of obstetric fistula is the ultimate goal, the IOWD fistula team is working hard to help women already affected and to train Rwandan care providers to take care of the women on their own.

What a privilege to be invited to the IOWD mission. I knew going into it that there would be no way to predict what the experience would be like, but it exceeded my expectations on all levels. From that first greeting in the courtyard, I realized that these missions were having a significant impact. The patients' smiles were the largest, most sincere expression of appreciation that I can fathom. The patients inspired me. I had expected to be moved, but I did not anticipate having volunteers with fluency in the local languages, which allowed a degree of communication that I had not imagined. This enabled us to know the women, not just their medical complaints. The atmosphere of the medical trip allowed everyone to be included, most importantly the local health care providers. It was an absolute privilege to be part of a team delivering such high quality care and one that is respectful. Medically, the exchange of ideas and dialogue regarding patient care was wonderful. There was so much mutual respect. To see the senior physicians collaborate with junior members during the initial examinations and then again in surgery enabled the patients to receive the most appropriate care. I was deeply grateful for senior members of the team and their knowledge because the injuries we saw are complex and hard to imagine let alone correct.

Renee Ward, MD

Urogynecologist, USA