Visit to the Philippines for planning of a future medical mission
- Global Healing Hands
- Jan 26
- 1 min read
On Wednesday January 22nd, 2025 Dr. Starnes left Montreal, Canada boarding in -4°C weather conditions. With a short stop in Istanbul and Bangkok, he arrived Friday in the Philippines where the weather conditions had changed drastically to 45°C with 85% humidity!
Dr. Starnes made his way to Butuan Mindanao. This region is rich with history - its geographical location has been used in trading since the 10th century and was once part of the silk road; they have even found wooden trading vessels dating back to 1000 CE in the region! Butuan City is the de facto capital of the region and is run by an independent government, the most current population is around 370,000 making it the most populated city in the region. Dr. Starnes was greeted to the region and city by Dr. Ben Valdez.
Dr. Valdez is an ER and general surgeon who has done mission and humanitarian work for Maharlika, a foundation he took over almost 20 years ago! Dr. Valdez also does an amazing job of setting up ER, rapid response teams, and EMTs all over this island and the south Philippines.
Dr. Starnes was invited to the hospital in Butuan City where he was honored to meet the owners and doctors of the facility and graciously accepted the invitation to return with a GHH team! This team will have the opportunity to perform cleft palate, thyroid, and general surgery.
If you would like more information on how to help support GHH humanitarian efforts, how to sponsor a patient in need of surgery, or information in Maharlika Foundation, please check out these links:
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