Baxter BioSurgery Products Prove to Be Critical Asset on Medical Mission Trips

In a community high in the mountains of a colonial town, dirt floors span underfoot and a constant aroma of smoke floats within the building walls, yet residents maintain access to free, high-quality surgical care. As a result of Baxter’s partnership with AmeriCares, what seems like an impossible reality comes true for those in need.

“We were unfamiliar, so were hesitant to initially stock Baxter’s surgical care products,” Emanuela Chiaranda, Associate Director, Corporate Relations for AmeriCares, said. “We started with just a tiny amount of inventory, and within weeks ran out due to a high demand from doctors on medical mission trips. These products make surgeries in less-than-ideal conditions that much easier.”

AmeriCares is an emergency response and global health organization that saves lives and builds healthier futures for people in crisis in the United States and around the world. Baxter’s long-standing relationship with AmeriCares helps facilitate timely, targeted medical aid support in times of crisis.

AmeriCares has sent Baxter surgical products with doctors as they travel around the world, including Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Nepal, Uganda among others. As doctors in the U.S. are familiar with Baxter, when they put in requests for their medical missions, Baxter’s surgical care products remain in high demand. Emanuela takes pride in the partnership's efficiency, calling out that in times of crisis, the AmeriCares organization can be first on scene with potential life-saving resources.

“There’s no question that we would not have been able to perform the surgeries we did without the products supplied by Baxter through AmeriCares,” Dr. Robert Rice, an AmeriCares Outreach Partner, said. “The operations conducted not only helped address intra-operative problems, but also assisted with management of the patient post operation.”

Dr. Rice manages a private practice in San Antonio, but for the last 28 years has been doing missionary work in Latin America and Mexico. He noted he has used Baxter products in his procedures abroad that have been critical in providing care for his patients. Even going in with a team of about 50 people and eight doctors, there is always a line several blocks long.

“Many of my patients are farmers, so providing them with quality care means the world of difference when every dollar, hour of work or bushel of crop is imperative to your livelihood, Dr. Rice said. “These are just ordinary, regular people and it’s a joy to be able to help them on these surgical missions.”