LONGMONT - When you hear about a surgical mission trip, it's often about doctors going overseas and serving patients in developing countries around the world.
Dr. Hans Elzinga admits he was planning just that kind of mission project one year ago. He was prepared to volunteer his medical specialties during a trip to Africa. His wife posed a question to him that changed those plans: "Why not serve here?"
"I think we all think there are these extremes of need in developing countries," Elzinga said. "But obviously we have needs like that right here in our very own communities. To help with that is more rewarding in a lot of ways, because you really are benefiting the place where you live yourself."
With the idea from his wife, Dr. Elzinga reached out to the Longmont Medical community to create a pro-bono surgery program called the Longmont Surgical Mission. The program provides free out-patient surgeries to underserved patients on one weekend every three months.
Paul Melling was learning to live without sight in his right eye due to a cataract. Without a steady job and health insurance, giving into blindness was the only option he had. Melling's doctor referred him to the Longmont Surgical Mission, which conducted his cataract removal surgery free of charge.
"The biggest thing is they are willing to help, even when you don't have anything," Melling said. "I don't have money to pay, I don't have health insurance. But here they are, willing to do this. They are giving me probably the greatest gift I have ever gotten."
More than 70 surgeons, nurses and other hospital staff have volunteered for the effort during the program's first year, in which doctors have performed over 20 pro bono surgeries. Some include ACL reconstruction, hernias, gall bladders and skin cancers.
The Longmont Surgical Mission caters to folks who live in the Longmont area. Assistance is only provided by referral. If you need assistance with paying for surgery, talk with your primary care physician to see if you might qualify for help.
If you are a doctor or medical professional looking to help with future Longmont Surgical Mission efforts, or you have questions about starting your own such mission, contact Dr. Elzinga through the Longmont Salud clinic (www.saludclinic.org) or email him at helzinga@saludclinic.org.
(KUSA-TV © 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)