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Service meets Origin : From dreaming to doing. 

“Fifteen years ago, I left Zambia carrying hopes too big for the borders of my home country—dreams of making something meaningful of my life, of one day returning with more than just memories.

This year, that day came. I left as a teenager with a quiet hope that I would return to give back in a way that truly mattered.

In partnership with Surgicorps International, I returned home—not as a visitor, but as a volunteer — joined by best friend, Shanique, who stood by my side every step of the way. We had the privilege of joining a team of passionate providers on a mission trip that performed 73 life-changing surgeries—and changed my life as well.

I returned a nurse with calloused hands, sharpened skills, and a heart ready to serve. But even before our first patient, I knew this trip would shape me. 

Some moments were heavy — stories of pain, long waits, or desperate hope etched into every patient’s eyes. But having Shanique there, someone who knows my heart and shares the same heartbeat for service, made even the hardest days manageable. Between surgeries and wound care, we found strength in our friendship, laughter between tasks, and faith in every quiet prayer we whispered together while we savored every bite of nshima.  

On our very first day, as we drove out of the compound, a group of locals stood by the gate waving at us. I can’t explain why that moment hit so hard—but it did. Maybe because I left through a gate like that 15 years ago, uncertain of what lay ahead. And now here I was, coming back—with purpose. That simple wave felt like a welcome home I didn’t know I needed.

Walking into the hospital each morning, I didn’t just see patients—I saw reflections of my younger self. I saw aunties, neighbors, schoolmates. I heard the rhythms of my mother tongue echoing through pre-op rooms and recovery wards. I felt, in a way I hadn’t in years, that I was exactly where I belonged.

As part of the OR team, I assisted in surgeries that restored mobility, corrected deformities, and gave people their dignity back. I also spent time in pre-op calming nerves, and in post-op offering reassurance in a language only we understood.

One of the most meaningful parts of this mission was being able to speak Bemba with patients. I served not just as a nurse, but as a translator, a cultural bridge, and a familiar face in a sea of strangers. To be able to say, “Walabafye bwino, epondi, twalakusunga fye bwino.” (“You’re going to be okay, I’m here with you and we will take good care of you”)—and have it mean the world to someone—or help explain a procedure to a worried patient, mother, father, or guardian—was a gift I’ll never forget.

Being there with the surgeons, explaining post-op care and bridging gaps in understanding, was a quiet form of healing all its own.

Serving people in the country that raised me felt like closing a loop—like returning to finish something sacred. This wasn’t just charity work. This was community work. My community.

We performed mostly reconstructive surgeries and nerve transfers, serving patients across all age groups.

One story that stays with me is that of a young mother—maybe 15 years old. After her surgery, I found myself holding her baby while she recovered. I don’t remember all the medical details—but I remember the weight of that child in my arms, and the quiet trust she placed in us. That moment grounded me more than any title or training ever could.

Another was a young girl with a burn contracture who reminded me so much of my little cousins. She was shy, afraid at first. But after surgery, when she was able to stretch her arm for the first time in years, her smile lit up the ward. That smile is etched in my memory. It was a reminder of why we do what we do.

Returning home as a nurse was more than a career milestone. It was a full-circle moment of healing—both for the patients I cared for, and for the part of me that had longed to give back to the place that shaped me.

This trip reaffirmed everything I believe about healthcare: that compassion transcends borders, and that service rooted in love can transform lives.

To my fellow Zambians abroad—or anyone considering a medical mission, whether you’re a healthcare professional or simply someone with a willing heart—I say: go. Your presence carries power. Your return might just be someone else’s miracle.

And if you’re wondering if missions like these really make a difference—they do. Not just for patients, but for us as volunteers too.  

This mission wasn’t just about medicine or giving back. It was also about connection — to my roots, my purpose, and to people who pour into me. Shanique, thank you for being more than a friend — for being a sister in service.

This trip reminded me why I chose healthcare—not just to treat illness, but to restore dignity and hope, especially where access to care is limited. It also reinforced my dream of continuing global outreach—particularly in countries like Zambia, where skilled hands and warm hearts can change the course of an entire family’s future with a single surgery.”

This is my full circle homecoming –

With love and pride,

Kalaba

I recently had the incredible opportunity to travel with Surgicorps International on an exploratory trip to Kumasi, Ghana, and I’m still reflecting on what a deeply meaningful experience it was. Our team worked at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), one of the largest hospitals in the region, where we were welcomed with warmth and open arms by the local medical staff and community.

Our focus during this mission was to explore the feasibility of future collaborative surgical trips while providing care to patients in need. In just a short time, we had the privilege of treating a variety of cases—from traumatic injuries to burn-related conditions and congenital deficits. Each patient we encountered reminded me of why we do this work.

What stood out most was the grace and resilience of the Ghanaian people. Every patient we met was incredibly kind, humble, and patient, often waiting long hours with a smile and gratitude that spoke volumes. The spirit of the people, despite the challenges they face, left a lasting impact on me.

Working alongside the dedicated local healthcare professionals at KATH was equally inspiring. Their skill, passion, and commitment to their patients were evident in every interaction, and I’m excited about the potential for future collaboration and shared learning.

This trip was more than just an exploration of logistics—it was a powerful reminder of the universal human connection in healing and the importance of showing up with compassion and care, wherever we go.

I’m grateful to Surgicorps for the opportunity to be part of this journey and look forward to what lies ahead as we continue to build bridges and bring care to communities across the globe.

The Surgicorps mission is to provide free medical and surgical care to people in need in developing countries.  Surgicorps does an incredible job accomplishing this mission year after year, patient after patient, in multiple countries.  However, Surgicorps accomplishes far more than their mission statement by generating a profound impact on future healthcare providers, including myself.  The organization’s commitment and dedication to educate future healthcare professionals has been invaluable, as you will see in my story below. 

My name is Gregory Williamson, and I am currently a pediatric anesthesiology fellow physician at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. I became involved with Surgicorps as a first-year medical student in 2016 when I participated on a mission trip to Guatemala. Back then I knew I was interested in pursuing a career in a pediatric specialty but had minimal experience in the operating room and surgical theater.  During that trip, the goal of both surgeons and anesthesiologists alike was not only to care for patients we treated, but also in furthering my education as a medical student.  That year, I learned how to scrub in, suture, and secure a patient’s airway for surgery.  I practiced diagnostic physical exam skills and learned how to care for patients in the perioperative period. I observed in real time the complex physiology I had spent my first year of medical school reading in textbooks.  Two years later, I committed to pursuing a career in pediatric anesthesiology.  Looking back on the trajectory of my medical education, it was this mission trip to Guatemala that planted the initial seed in my journey toward pediatric anesthesia.   

Seven years later, I had the immense privilege to return to Guatemala with Surgicorps as a senior anesthesiology resident physician.  While I had learned how to provide anesthesia safely and effectively throughout residency, with Surgicorps I was able to take that knowledge a step further. The mission trip taught me how to provide the same high quality anesthetic care with less resources, different equipment, and different medications than I was used to.  At times, our team was very creative in developing solutions to problems I was not routinely exposed to in the United States healthcare system.  Flexibility, adaptability, and innovation were skills I was able to sharpen this trip and continue to be invaluable and important in the pediatric anesthesia care I provide daily. 

In 2024, I received another opportunity to travel with Surgicorps to Zambia, this time as a pediatric anesthesiology fellow physician.  Although I was in my final year of medical training, I continued to expand my knowledge base and hone my clinical skills on this trip.  For example, an attending introduced me to a new technique of pediatric pain management that I had not used before.  Once again, we had to problem solve with minimal or different resources to achieve desired outcomes for patients.  I was given autonomy (with support always available) to develop these solutions, and looking back, this has been an essential experience in preparing me for life as an attending physician after my training. 

 My time with Surgicorps has fostered my medical training in multiple ways, at multiple stages.  It was both humbling and gratifying to return on trips as a resident and fellow, marveling at the progress I had made since medical school.  Each mission has provided an abundance of clinical knowledge that I would not have received elsewhere, forever shaping my practice of pediatric anesthesiology. 

As you can see, Surgicorps’ mission goes beyond their provision of free surgical & medical care to patients in developing countries.  They are strongly committed to enhancing education of healthcare professionals in a way that improves patient care daily, in any clinical environment.  I am very thankful to the Surgicorps team including all the surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other volunteer healthcare providers for the knowledge they have bestowed on me during my training.  Most importantly, I am grateful for every patient experience I have had along the way.  Their gratitude, kindness, and resilience are what makes medicine so joyful.  I am already looking forward to learning new skills, and passing on my own knowledge to medical trainees, as an attending pediatric anesthesiologist on a future Surgicorps mission. 

Dear Surgicorps Family,

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary and after completing our 20th mission to Vietnam, we continue to grow, as we announce two new organizational leaders: Dr. Anne Argenta and Dr. Ann Williamson. I’ve personally known both of these talented women for years from prior involvement with our Surgicorps Family……Anne Argenta has participated in numerous Surgicorps medical missions, both during and after her plastic surgical residency at UPMC; Ann Williamson was a non-medical volunteer to Nepal and Ecuador prior to completing her degrees.  Please read their interesting bios below and welcome them as they formally assume their staff positions of leadership in our organization. Our future is bright and exciting with the addition of these exceptional women.
Jack Demos
Founder, Surgicorps International

ANNE ARGENTA, MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Anne’s first trip with Surgicorps was to Bhutan in 2012, as a surgery resident.  Having previously worked with other NGO’s, she knew that she had found a gem in Surgicorps!  Over the next decade, she continued as a volunteer on Surgicorps missions to Vietnam, Zambia, Samoa, Myanmar, and Bhutan.  She was a member of the Surgicorps Medical Youth Leadership, and later, the Surgicorps’ Board of Directors. 

Anne is board certified in Plastic Surgery, with an added qualification (CAQ) in hand surgery.  Additionally, she has a master’s degree in Public Health (MPH).  Currently, she is an Associate Professor at Atrium Health Wake Forest. Anne is honored and excited to join Surgicorps in this new role, helping to expand our surgical and educational programs around the world. 

ANN WILLIAMSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR   Ann’s passion for international volunteering began in college, when she spent a month working at the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Deschapelles, Haiti.  She found her way to Surgicorps, as a non-medical volunteer, completing trips to Nepal (2000) and Ecuador (2003). Ann is an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education within the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Chatham University. With an additional master’s degree in healthcare informatics, Ann has experience in data and information management within healthcare education. In her roles at Chatham, she has completed additional international healthcare volunteering and student training.  Ann also brings experience serving two other non-profit organizations. She is very excited to resume work with Surgicorps, in this new capacity.

My time in Zambia with Surgicorps was nothing short of incredible. The people of Zambia made a lasting impression on me—their warmth, friendliness, and welcoming nature were evident in every interaction. The patients and their families were kind and hopeful, showing amazing courage despite the challenges they faced. They welcomed us not as strangers, but as partners in their journey toward better health.

One of the highlights of this trip was reconnecting with pediatric patients and families I had met during my last visit in April 2023. Seeing them again, thriving and making progress, reminded me of why this work matters so much. It’s truly special to provide ongoing care and watch these children heal and grow.

Working alongside the local staff is always an honor. This was Surgicorps’ 16th trip to Beit Cure Hospital, and the long-standing relationship we’ve built with them has become a crucial part of what we do. Their familiarity with our processes makes collaboration seamless, allowing us to maximize the care we provide during our time there. This sustainable relationship not only boosts our effectiveness but also ensures that the care we deliver has a lasting impact.

What makes this work even more rewarding is the incredible energy of the team. Whether you’re a surgeon, a nurse practitioner, a PA, an anesthesiologist, a CRNA, a nurse, a non-medical volunteer, or a trip coordinator, everyone brings their unique skills and heart to the table. We may start as strangers, but there’s a real sense of unity and a shared drive to use our talents for the good of others. Every role is important, and together, we create something greater than the sum of our parts. Without the dedication and effort of each team member, none of this would be possible.

I feel immense gratitude for the chance to be part of such a fantastic organization doing meaningful work. It’s truly an honor to contribute to these efforts. If you’re thinking about getting involved in work like this, I can promise it will be an enriching experience that will deeply impact your life.

Bienvenido a Guatemala!

Timing is everything. I have been a nurse for almost 25 years. Those years have been filled with many happy, exhilarating, fulfilling times, as well as sad and scary times. None of those experiences were as uplifting nor as fulfilling as my time with Surgicorps in Guatemala.

I have always wanted the chance to participate in a mission trip. Unfortunately, it took years until the opportunity became reality and it was all about timing. New to the area, I was getting to know one of the surgeons I work with and our conversation turned to the topic of mission trips. He told me about his experiences and about Surgicorps and their mission to provide free surgical and medical care to those in need.

“Where do I sign up?!” I asked excitedly.  He connected me to DeNese, I filled out an application for the chance to volunteer, and I was chosen! In 2019, I made my first trip with Surgicorps to Guatemala. One trip, that’s all it took, and I was hooked. It started with meeting my other teammates, then the staff at the hospital, and finally all the patients we saw on screening day whose faces lit up with a smile when they saw us. They were so grateful for us coming. So trusting and hopeful that we can “fix” whatever ails them.  I was in, hook, line, and sinker.

The team Surgicorps put together was so amazing. A group of people from various locations across the US coming together all with the same mindset and mission. To provide amazing surgical care to this wonderful community. It still amazes me how quickly we all gelled together to make the busy week run so smoothly. It is such an honor to work with this group year after year. They teach me so much and we have loads of fun together. I look forward to our “Guatemala family reunion” (as I refer to this trip) every year.

When people ask me “why do you do it” my initial response (in my head) is “why don’t you?”. But then I realize they haven’t experienced what we have, and for those of us that have experienced it, it is truly hard to express and put into words. The simple answer is we do it because that is our calling. We are here to help others. We have been trained to help others. This community and its wonderful citizens need help that we can provide. But, there is a deeper answer. When else can you experience such a level of trust, hope and gratefulness from a group of patients you have never met? Patients who don’t know you and may never see you again, and whom many of us can’t communicate with as we don’t speak their language. Yet, they look at us with so much trust, hope, and gratitude. That is a responsibility I do not take lightly. After having worked with so many of the same team members year after year, I know they don’t take that responsibility lightly either.

2024 was my fifth trip to Guatemala and we completed 134 surgeries! I am so thankful and appreciative for this opportunity to help the amazing people of Guatemala receive the care they need. And I am so grateful to Dr. Kim, Stephanie, DeNese and Surgicorps for making this a reality. I look forward to continuing to serve in Guatemala and wherever Surgicorps may need me.