AAO-HNSF Humanitarian Travel Grant Report: Project Ear
Michael M. Li, MD, and Akash N. Naik, MD, traveled to the Los Alcarrizos in the Dominican Republic to participate in the biannual Project Ear trip, led by Edward E. Dodson, MD.
Michael Li, MD, and Akash N. Naik, MD
Thanks to the AAO-HNSF Humanitarian Travel Grant, we were able to travel to the Los Alcarrizos in the Dominican Republic to participate in the biannual Project Ear medical mission trip, led by Edward E. Dodson, MD. For over 25 years, Dr. Dodson has been helping the underserved population of Los Alcarrizos, while simultaneously building the foundation for otologic surgery at the nearby Hospital Dr. Salvador B. Gautier in Santo Domingo. Through the years, Dr. Dodson has not only donated microscopes, drills, and supplies to the residency program at the Gautier hospital, but he has educated generations of Dominican residents. He helped train local otolaryngologist, Roberto Batista, MD, to become one of the only Dominican physicians to perform chronic ear procedures as well as cochlear implants. During our weeklong stay, we had the opportunity to operate at both the mission hospital in Los Alcarrizos and the Gautier teaching hospital. In Los Alcarrizos, we each performed several surgeries for cholesteatoma and tympanic membrane perforation. In total, our group, which also included Laura A. Matrka, MD, a laryngologist from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, performed over 30 surgeries over the course of the week including high-complexity airway reconstructions. Otolaryngology residents from the Gautier, one of only two otolaryngology residency programs in the country, came each day to operate and learn from Dr. Dodson.
An additional aspect of Project Ear that was especially rewarding was working with colleagues from anesthesia, nursing, and administration who also joined the trip. Working in such close proximity helped break down the usual barriers that exist in the hospital setting and created a more congenial environment back home. Project Ear was one of the most rewarding things each of us has participated in since starting residency. We both hope to return as attendings and continue the incredible work Dr. Dodson has carried on for over 25 years.