ABOUT SURGICORPS
Surgicorps International provides free surgical and medical care to people in need in developing countries.
These individuals lack access to the most basic health care including specialty reconstructive surgery for the treatment of cleft lips and palates, severe burn scar deformities, and any number of acquired or congenital defects. In many of these countries, patients must travel by foot for hours — sometimes days — to get medical attention.
Children with congenital deformities are often denied access to education, are subject to peer ridicule, and present a social and financial burden on a family already struggling for existence.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- Michael Best Interim Board Chair
- Jack Demos Vice Chair
- Michael Brett Treasurer
- Sheryl Lamb Secretary
- Kirsten Calhoun
- Christopher Yanakos
HISTORY OF SURGICORPS
Jack’s passion for travel and service began at a young age, inspired by the writings and humanitarian work of Dr. Thomas Anthony Dooley III, an author and physician who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Jack’s path through college, medical training, and a plastic surgery residency was punctuated by moments of reflection, shaping his personal and professional aspirations. In 1981, he launched his private practice in partnership with others.
A turning point came a few years later when Jack participated in a medical mission to the Philippines. This experience ignited a deep commitment to blending travel and service, leading to missions across Asia and Africa.
In 1994, Jack founded his own nonprofit organization, bringing his vision to life. Early mission teams consisted primarily of staff from Jack’s practice. Notably, Bonnie Scavo, a dedicated volunteer and staff member, played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the organization. Over the next decade, their efforts expanded to include volunteers from diverse backgrounds—both medical and non-medical—broadening the scope of services beyond plastic surgery.
In 2004, Jack hired Linda Esposto as his Practice Manager, and she quickly began taking on leadership roles in the nonprofit’s missions. When Jack retired from his practice in 2008, Linda stepped into the role of Executive Director of Surgicorps International, overseeing operations from the newly established Surgicorps office. Under her visionary leadership, the organization continued to thrive, expanding its reach and impact. Over the course of more than 20 years, Linda made remarkable contributions, including serving as Trip Coordinator for over 60 missions. The Linda Esposto Legacy Fund stands as a lasting tribute to her enduring impact on Surgicorps and the communities it serves.
In 2014, the organization welcomed DeNese Olson as Operations Manager and now serves as the Director of Operations and Outreach. DeNese has been instrumental in advancing Surgicorps’ mission, leading and supporting its operations, communications, and outreach. Since her first mission in 2015, she has continued to coordinate trips and strengthen the organization’s impact.
In 2019, the Surgicorps office expanded once again with the addition of Gretchen Homison as an Administrative Assistant. Gretchen brings a positive and adaptable attitude, paired with detail-oriented organizational skills, to support the team and ensure smooth operations.
By 2024, Surgicorps International celebrated 30 years of service, having completed over 100 medical missions in 22 countries and providing care to more than 8,400 patients worldwide. That same year, the organization ushered in new leadership, with Anne Argenta and Ann Williamson stepping into the roles of Medical Director and Executive Director, respectively.
Surgicorps thrives today through the collective efforts of over 1,250 volunteers, generous donors, and the strong foundation established by its founders and leaders. Their shared dedication ensures that the mission of service continues to flourish, touching lives around the globe.
FAQS
WHAT ARE SURGICORPS INTERNATIONAL’S MISSION AND VALUES?
Surgicorps International is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide free surgical and medical care to people in need in developing countries.
Surgicorps Values:
- Providing free surgical and medical care to people in need in developing countries, thus allowing them to become functional members of their society.
- Providing individuals the personally rewarding experience of giving back through serving others.
- Fostering an exchange of knowledge and experience among medical professionals resulting in improved surgical techniques and patient care.
- Locally-based cultural interaction is an important component of Surgicorps trips.
DOES SURGICORPS ONLY PERFORM CLEFT PALATE/CLEFT LIP PROCEDURES?
Cleft lip and palate surgeries do represent a large portion of our cases on some trips. We do however provide a wide range of other types of surgical and medical care. These include hand surgery, treatment of burn scar contractures (on many missions the most common problem seen), treatment of traumatic injuries/deformities (i.e. farm accidents, animal bites, motor vehicle accidents, etc.), dental, vision and dermatology screenings.
WHY DOESN’T SURGICORPS SERVE THOSE IN NEED IN THE UNITED STATES?
In most cases, the surgical procedures provided by Surgicorps are widely available and paid for through private or government-funded insurance in the United States.
ARE THERE OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT DO WORK SIMILAR TO THAT DONE BY SURGICORPS?
There are many other organizations that provide care similar to that provided by Surgicorps, some smaller than Surgicorps, and others much larger (i.e. Operation Smile). Each of these organizations is unique in their own way, all striving to improve the delivery of health-care throughout the world. For example, Smile Train does not provide surgeries directly to patients but raises funds to support and empower local medical professionals. We run a relatively small number of trips each year, limiting the number of trip participants, and making multi-year commitments to specific countries. This provides what we feel is a special experience for our medical and non-medical team members. Volunteers often describe their relationship to Surgicorps as “family”.
WHO CONSTITUTES A SURGICORPS MEDICAL MISSION TEAM?
Surgicorps International’s medical missions are staffed by medical and non-medical volunteers. The medical team makeup reflects each country’s needs and requests. Members may include Surgeons with differing specialties: Anesthesiologists, CRNAs, Physician Assistants, RNs, Surgical Techs, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Dentists and Dermatologists. Non-medical participants have diverse backgrounds and are a minimum of 16 years of age. They perform a myriad of tasks, including providing comfort in pre- and post-op areas, practicing play therapy, transporting patients, and packing supplies. Volunteers also help to chronicle the trip through photography, blog postings and website reports on the outcome of the journey.
HOW MANY PEOPLE PARTICIPATE ON A SURGICORPS MEDICAL MISSION TEAM?
Need does not necessarily determine the size of Surgicorps’ teams. The number of medical personnel is directly related to a country’s ability to host the surgeries and their surgical needs. Teams may also be self-limiting because Surgicorps trips are self-funded. In the future, Surgicorps hopes to have the financial resources it needs to subsidize mission members’ costs.
HOW DO YOU BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
Complete and forward a volunteer application to the office that can be found on the volunteer page of the Surgicorps website. Deadline for receipt of the volunteer application is September 1st prior to the year of the team departure (i.e. September 2020 for trip in 2021) unless noted differently on the volunteer page.
HOW DOES THE VOLUNTEER SELECTION OCCUR?
Surgicorps’ has an established process that includes a committee for the selection of each team. All applications are reviewed by the committee and all references verified. Submission of a volunteer application does not guarantee a position. Team configurations are determined by the country’s surgical needs and the host facilities’ operating room capabilities. Selection of volunteer medical staff positions are the first priority. There are a small number of positions for non-medical team members in some of the countries.
HOW ARE SURGICORPS’ TRIPS FUNDED?
Surgicorps’ trips range in cost from $40,000 to $90,000. The level of expense depends on a variety of issues, including airfare, the size and sophistication of the host country facility (e.g. a fully equipped mission hospital or a more rudimentary facility that lacks even the most basic supplies), and the potential need to financially support patients and their families for transportation, housing, and food. Surgicorps International’s trips are made possible by different types of donations. First, the medical and non-medical participants of the team pay for a majority of their expenses. In most cases, they pay 100% of their travel and accommodations. This does not, however, represent the full cost of the trip for each person. In most cases, team members take unpaid leave to accompany a trip or use benefit time at their place of employment. Annual donated services to Surgicorps are valued at over $400,000. As much as possible, medical supplies are obtained via in-kind donations from companies or individuals.
WHY ARE UNRESTRICTED DONATIONS IMPORTANT?
Surgicorps expends 100% of trip volunteer donations on the mission. There is never any surplus, although overages in medical supplies will be retained in the host country for later use in local hospitals. Surgicorps must close a funding gap of between $10,000 and $20,000 per trip. The ability to provide the highest quality of services and the safest experience for its medical mission participants and in-country patients depends on the generosity of individuals and businesses giving unrestricted donations each year.
HOW CAN I STAY UP-TO-DATE ON SURGICORPS’ LATEST TRIP?
- Contact us here to join our email list.
- Be a frequent visitor to our website—www.surgicorps.org—and see posts from trip participants, updates to the travel schedule and more.
- Follow Surgicorps on Instagram
- Like Surgicorps on Facebook
- Follow Surgicorps on Twitter
I’M UNABLE TO VOLUNTEER FOR A SURGICORPS MEDICAL MISSION. WHAT OTHER WAYS CAN I HELP?
- Make a contribution. Unrestricted donations are applied to the area of greatest need. Donors may also make designated contributions to a special trip and/or purpose.
- You can make a difference by contributing items you can purchase on your next trip to the grocery store. View list here.
- Host a House Party or invite Surgicorps to make a presentation at your church, school or community meeting.
- Refer potential volunteers—medical and non-medical—to Surgicorps.
- Attend a Packing Party at the Surgicorps office.
- Attend one of Surgicorps’ annual fundraising events and bring a friend!