Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines – World Pediatric Project’s (WPP) General Orthopedics Mission is
back for a second time this year since their last visit in July 2023. The team was led by Dr. Eric Gordon and
comprised of six (6) other persons that make up the rest of the team composition. Dr. TJ Lockhart –
Anesthesiologist, Dr. Arnaldo Martinez-Rivera – Orthopedic Fellow, Baileigh Scott – Nurse, Melissa Eagan – Nurse,
Tracy Przybylski – Physical Therapist and Mike Flynn – OrthoPediatrics Representative complete this exquisite
team. Local support was extended by Pediatric General Surgeon, Dr. Jasmine Ellis and Physical Therapist, Janelle
Ballah as well as a few OR and staff nurses.
Clinic was held at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Sunday 24th September, 2023 where a total of 46 children,
both local and regional were assessed. 37 were Vincentian patients, two (2) were from St. Lucia, three (3) from
Barbados, one (1) from Dominica, one (1) from Grenada, one (1) from Antigua and one (1) from St. Kitts. After
careful planning and preparation, the team has scheduled 17 surgeries to be completed within a 4-day period
between Monday September 25th – Thursday September 28th 2023.
On this mission, Dr. Gordon and his team performed the first limb lengthening discrepancy procedure in St.
Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday September 25th
, 2023. The procedure has been executed on a few other
WPP patients, but in the US. Dr. Gordon said, “It’s a pleasure to be able to bring this technique to St. Vincent and
we’re hopeful that we are able to treat more children who have leg length discrepancies here in St. Vincent than in
the US for care.” He further detailed that the surgeries and the trip in general are going smoothly.
Ms. Sherri-Ann John, country representative for WPP SVG said she is “pleased with the turnout of families and is
always enthused when the children receive the care they need.” “It’s very heartwarming when you get to see the
transformations that are made in these kids’ lives and even more inspiring to know I can be a part of that change.”
Ms. John continued.
WPP expresses their fervent gratitude to The Maria Holder Memorial Trust for sponsoring this mission and their
continuous support in making a difference in the lives of our Caribbean children.
Individuals interested in supporting the work of WPP can contact the local office at 784-451-2989. WPP continues
to prioritize the medical needs of our children and enhance the lives of their families, ensuring no child is left
behind. The work of WPP and its impact can be followed at www.worldpediatricproject.org.