Plastic Surgery Global Health

The team had a unique opportunity to travel to Eldoret, Kenya. Dr. DeGeorge and Dr. Freilich lead our team and worked alongside the faculty and residents at Moi University. Our residents had an opportunity to participated in hand surgery cases, in both the operating room and the classroom. The experience highlighted the strength of collaboration and the shared commitment to advancing hand surgery education across institutions.

Our faculty presented educational lectures to the local orthopedic community and collaborated with Kenyan surgeons to perform the institution’s first arthroscopic TFCC repair. The exchange of ideas and surgical approaches was truly bidirectional, with each team learning from the other.
This experience reinforced that global health is about building sustainable partnerships through education, mentorship, and shared expertise. Working alongside our colleagues at Moi University was an incredible privilege and a reminder that advancing surgical care extends beyond individual operations, it comes through investing in the people who will continue caring for their communities long after we return home.

In January 2026, our team, led by Dr. Black and Dr. Gampper, joined a long-standing mission group in Ifugao, Lagawe, Philippines.  Two plastic surgery residents, Drs. Squeo and Ryan, had the opportunity to travel and experience the healthcare system in the Philippines. Ifugao General Hospital generously supported our work, and we screened over 100 patients on the first day. From there, our team performed approximately 30 procedures, primarily cleft lip and palate procedures. Additionally, reconstructions were performed for burn scar contractures and other congenital conditions. These complex procedures were performed in a safe but resource-depleted environment for patients who would otherwise receive no care. The team was able to share this experience with our Plastic Surgery Department during our weekly grand rounds.

Our recent Global Health India trip was a success. Residents and faculty, led by our program director Dr. Jonathan Black were able to treat over 80 patients. We are proud to have such a dedicated group of physicians and staff willing to travel and provide care globally.

A group of plastic surgery residents and faculty traveled to the Philippines. It was an amazing experience for all the participants. A team of residents and faculty worked together to provide optimal care for over 70 patients. Residents participated in a number of procedures such as cleft palate repairs, cleft lip repairs, as well as burn and cancer reconstructions. The gratitude from patients and locals was overwhelming, and these experiences can be life-changing for trainees and faculty.

UVA Plastic Surgery was a part of a team who provided clinical care in Romania. The team evaluated 10 children with syndromic craniosynostosis from age two months to 11 years. This included surgeons specialized in neurosurgery, craniofacial surgery, maxillofacial surgery, as well as Romanian residents. In addition to hands on learning using springs, internal distraction, and external distraction, the group provided lecture topics including single suture craniosynostosis, syndromic craniosynostosis, and midface advancement including Lefort 3, Monobloc, and Facial Bipartition.

Our team of 18 multi-disciplinary professionals traveled to Giridih, India in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains to provide reconstructive surgery. We performed over 200 procedures.

Without this care, these patients would not be treated. Their needs included cleft lip, burn reconstruction, and numerous types of hand surgery. We travel every two to three years and typically treat over 70 patients surgically. These missions are our department’s longest ongoing global efforts, which began in 1988.