My name is Seher Basi, and I am an undergraduate student studying Human Biology and Global Health at UC San Diego. From September 14th to 20th of this year, I had the privilege of joining Surgicorps along with my mom, Navi Basi, on our second Surgicorps trip to Lusaka, Zambia, hosted by the Beit Cure Children’s Hospital providing plastic, reconstructive and brachial plexus surgeries.
At the start of our trip, Surgicorps’ founder, Dr. Jack Demos, shared a message that has stayed with us: “We do this because we want to, because we can, and most importantly, because we should.” Now in my final year of college and as I prepare to delve further into my career path, I often find myself reflecting on those words. Both these trips have been fundamental in shaping my understanding of healthcare from a humanitarian and global perspective, as well as determining the kind of health professional I aspire to become.
Throughout the trip, I worked in the pre-operative area, providing comfort and play to children to ease their anxiety before surgery. I spent time in the post-operative ward, reading stories and connecting with children as they recovered in a space that felt warm and safe. On screening day, I helped with medical records and supported trip coordinators in organizing patient flow. My mom who is a PA, worked alongside on screening day and assisted in the operating room on surgical days. Together, we witnessed the transformative work done by the Surgicorps surgical and OT team, not just in restoring physical function but also in restoring dignity and self-confidence. When asking the children, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, it was so wonderful to hear them say “doctor” or “surgeon”, which was indeed a reaffirmation of our work and presence there.
Meeting these children and their families not only helped develop personal bonds but was such a great learning experience and revealed the immense impact of access to care. In talking with the families, I learned that several traveled hours by foot or truck for healthcare, some without consistent access to even basic things such as clean water or regular schooling, and many growing up experiencing bullying or ridicule from other children. Yet, on the Beit Cure campus, these children showed such positivity and resilience in an atmosphere nurtured with acceptance and celebration of their strength. All the smiles and laughter in the face of adversity were honestly emotionally overwhelming but so inspiring, and now forever etched in our hearts.
This experience only reaffirmed why we are invested in healthcare. The aim is to provide care that is not only clinical but compassionate, grounded in understanding and service. This experience was a reminder for both of us that healing extends beyond the operating room, strengthened with connection, empathy, and hope. With immense gratitude, we thank the entire team of Surgicorps for giving us these opportunities for service.
