Louisville Medicine Volume 70, Issue 10 | Page 26

TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD
Fig . 6A : Acupuncture anesthesia for a thoracotomy in Hanoi .
( continued from page 23 ) of a full cargo of Supplies Over Seas ( SOS ) medical supplies ( about 5 tons ) to Kabul hospitals by the Kentucky Air National guard , with great appreciation returned ( Fig . 8 ).
Ukraine in 2022-23
The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine created by the vicious 2022 Russian invasion creates an urgent need for medical aid and supplies . Although in-person missions to Ukraine may be in our future , the acute need is for medical supplies . SOS has again responded , and we have sent 25 tons of medical supplies and other needs via five airlifted shipments in 2022 ( Fig . 9 ). This ongoing effort will be described in more detail in a subsequent article .
In conclusion , medical missions give American physicians and their families great opportunities to travel abroad and to demonstrate the compassion of our profession and nation . In return , we receive experiences that enrich our lives and leave treasured memories .
References
1
Tobin GR . Exporting America ’ s compassion : a guide to engagement in medical missions . J KY Med Assoc 2012 ; 110 ( 3 ): 72-77 .
2
Tobin GR . Medical patriotism : service to profession and country . J KY Med Assoc 2011 ; 109 ( 7 ): 182-183 .
Fig . 6B : The Hanoi Burn Institute Director explaining “ venomous snake elixir ,” and other unique traditional medicines .
Dr . Gordon Tobin is a professor at the University of Louisville School of Medicine , Department of Surgery , Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery . He practices with UofL Physicians – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery .
Dr . Elisabeth Tobin is a former instructor in microbiology at the University of California , San Francisco School of Medicine , and a former Research Associate at the University of Louisville . ( non-member )
Fig . 7 : President Bill Clinton and Senator John Kerry visiting Hanoi after restored diplomatic relations , a process that began with our 1989 mission .
Fig . 8 : Dr . Tobin , Bert Guinn , Don Fulford and the Kentucky Air National Guard loading cargo from SOS for Afghanistan hospitals .
Fig . 9 : Dr . Keith Miller , Dr . Gordon Tobin and UofL Hospital operating room staff collecting hemostatic agents for SOS transport to Ukraine and used in war wound bleeding control .
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