Dr. Burcham Leads Medical Mission Team

Dr. Burcham completed a very successful medical mission trip in January 2007. This mission was to Metite, Panama. This area is in a very remote part of Panama and is about 100 miles from the Columbian border. The medical team and the group of volunteers were accompanied to the Metite with a group of Panamanian soldiers.

The mission trip accomplished much in the way of medical care for a very needy population. Here are some of the statistics from that mission.

• 2500 Medical patients were seen.
  
• 400 Dental patients received care
  
• 450 eye examinations -- used, donated glasses were prescribed to patients
  
• 2000 pairs of reading glasses were distributed.
  
• 53 Cataract surgeries were performed by Dr. Burcham
  
• 80 Ptergium surgeries (a corneal growth)
  
• 4 Retinal Laser surgeries

Medical, surgical intervention in people’s lives can make such a difference. One Cataract patient had been blind for over 10 years. Even the distribution of reading glasses can help a woman who may weave or sew to make a living for her family possible, be productive again.

A small group of medical volunteers took a side trip with some of the soldiers up river in dug-out canoes to bring treatment to 500 medical patients. This area was more remote and had no access to medical care. One small child had a broken arm that had not been treated and had not healed properly. He will now have restorative function to that arm because of medical intervention.

It is always amazing to be reminded that even basic care is not available in all parts of the world. Dr. Burcham and his wife consider this work part of their Christian outreach and are dedicated to continuing these types of trips each year. Since the costs for the mission team is dependent on their own funds and donations, any donation is appreciated…..frequent flyer miles, used glasses, children’s books (especially in Spanish), and of course cash donations. Dr. Burcham is already eagerly planning his next medical mission trip.

For more information contact: Elaine Gay (303) 340-4600.