Treating 1,200–1,300 patients in less then five days. It may sound impossible, but that’s the number of patients that Dr.
Robelen and a handful of other physicians and staff will see during a typical mission trip to Honduras. In Honduras, as in
many parts of the world, access to quality medical care is limited and treatment for venous ulcers is almost nonexistent.
That’s why Dr. Robelen makes the time to participate in medical mission trips.
Despite extremely high humidity with temperatures in the 90s—and operating under antiquated treatment conditions,
including erratic electrical service—Dr. Robelen and the rest of the mission team bring advanced venous ulcer treatment
to those with the greatest need. “We typically see patients with large venous ulcers—some of the most severe disease
I have ever seen,” commented Dr. Robelen. “Often the waiting line for treatment stretches out the door and down the
block. And many of these patients have travelled 100 miles or more by bus just to get there.”
All doctors on the mission trip pay their own way. They’re usually accompanied by an assistant and they bring all their
equipment, supplies and even small gifts for local children along on their flight. “We pack our own portable ultrasound
machines, syringes, needles, medicine and as many compression hose as possible. Then we leave behind many of
the smaller supplies,” said Dr. Robelen. “For our last trip, a compression hose manufacturer sent a person and donated
hose—that was a great help. Part of our job is soliciting these types of donations that allow us to treat more patients.”
According to Dr. Robelen the entire mission team works hard and feels a real sense of camaraderie. But he is most
gratified by the lasting results reported by his past Honduran patients. Dr. Robelen plans to take part in his third mission
trip in 2011.
Close Treating 1,200–1,300 patients in less then five days. It may sound impossible, but that’s the number of patients that Dr. Robelen and a handful of other physicians and staff will see during a typical mission trip to Honduras. In Honduras, as in many parts of the world, access to quality medical care is limited and treatment for venous ulcers is almost nonexistent. That’s why Dr. Robelen makes the time to participate in medical mission trips.
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