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A local doctor will be heading to Ethiopia with a group of local Rotarians and medical volunteers to help those who do not have access to medical care.
Dr. Stan Valnicek has been part of the organization Rotaplase Canada since its inception in 2004 and specializes in cleft palate surgeries and burn repairs. So far he has participated in seven missions and will be the medical director and lead plastic surgeon in the team’s upcoming trip.
Dr. Stan Valnicek with volunteers (Photo Credit: Rotaplast Canada)
In November approximately 20 medical and non-medical volunteers will head to Ethiopia to help those in need.
“To be able to bring these surgeries and expertise and this kind of care, it’s a great thing to be a part of. The patients are incredible, and incredibly grateful. We see lives transformed and restored—that is what keeps me going back,” said Valnicek.
A previous mission in Africa (Photo Credit: Rotaplase Canada)
Rotaplast Canada, based in Kelowna, has evolved from providing strictly cleft palate surgeries and burn contracture repairs, to now responding directly to local needs. The missions include full surgical teams who are able to address other needs such as gynecology, as well as provide medical training on the ground in the countries where they volunteer. The team has worked in countries including Ethiopia, India, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Child who had needed surgery performed by the volunteers (Photo Credit: Rotaplast Canada)
“We are excited about the new direction Rotaplast Canada is taking in the area of education,” says Valnicek. “Training local health care providers in the regions that we work is what will make our volunteer efforts sustainable and most beneficial to patients and communities.”
Rotaplast Canada operates on donations from sponsors as well as with Rotary clubs in the Okanagan and Vancouver Island. This latest trip was made possible because of a grant received from Rotary International and updates will be posted online at www.rotaplatcanada.com.
Before and after photos of a patient who received treatment (Photo Credit: Rotaplast Canada)
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