Laos

Dr. Thomas Pajewski and the department of Anesthesiology work with Midwest Spine Foundation collaborating on annual two week trips to Vientiane, Laos. Midwest Spine was founded by Dr. Michael Hartman, an orthopedic spine surgeon who trained under Dr. Chris Shaffrey, and who currently practices in Goshen, Indiana. He has made over 35 mission trips to Laos and continues to collaborate with UVA and Dr. Pajewski in the provision of anesthesia for complex spine surgery at Mittaphab (Friendship) Hospital, which is Laos’ major neurosurgical hospital.

This program is open to residents.

Several residents have blogged their experiences during these intensive trips.

2020 – Justin Hickman, CA2
2019 – Elliot Winters, CA2
2018 – Pablo Kollmar, Chief Resident

: Foundation sponsored spine surgery

: Insertion of an alloy cage. Vertebral body destroyed by TB/Pott’s disease

: Founder of Midwest Spine Foundation

: Vientiane, Laos: Dr. Kollmar, chief resident (on right)

: Riding a tuk tuk

: Chief resident Pablo Kollmar