ACE Global’s Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship Committee is excited to bring to fruition a first-of-its-kind fellowship training program in Honduras. This program and the development of subspecialists in the field will serve as a steadily growing resource for the people of Honduras, where there is a demonstrated need for this specialty. We invite you to partner with us in this productive and exciting new journey!
Like many low-income Latin American countries, Honduras faces a significant shortage of oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery providers, which has a profound impact on the health of its citizens. According to the World Health Organization, there are only 0.2 oculofacial plastic surgeons per 1 million people in Honduras. This limited access to specialized care leads to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and increased rates of preventable blindness. Additionally, Honduras has one of the highest poverty rates in Latin America, making it difficult for many patients to afford the medical care they desperately need.
Fellowship in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery is a 12-month specialty training that aims to train post-graduate ophthalmologists to become competent in functional and reconstructive care of the eyelids, lacrimal system, and orbital disorders. The program will strive to provide comprehensive clinical, research, and surgical training through varied exposures to hospitals and mentors in both Honduras and the US. The fellows are expected to bring their acquired knowledge and skills back to their native countries and participate in programs to continue the care of patients in need of their expertise.
Oculofacial Plastic Surgery is a subspecialty of Ophthalmology that deals with managing various disease processes and surgical issues affecting the eyelids, orbits, tear duct system, and the facial structures that support vision and the health of the eyes. Surgeons in this field have a diverse and varied training background, enabling them to effectively handle a wide range of conditions, from chronic inflammatory eyelid disorders to structural problems such as drooping lids that affect vision and the protection of the eyes. They also manage blocked tear ducts causing symptomatic and persistent tearing, as well as orbital disorders like tumors and cancerous growths to trauma reconstructions.
Oculoplastics is a dynamic overlap specialty that involves collaboration with other fields such as otolaryngology, oral maxillofacial surgery, general plastic surgery, dermatology, and neurosurgery. By working together, these subspecialties can make impactful changes for patients. This inclusive mindset towards patient care also promotes their interest in teaching and supporting educational endeavors.
Our esteemed group of committee members is excited to bring guidance and support to this first-of-its-kind fellowship training program in Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Honduras.
Nicolle Andrea Ruiz Rodriguez, MD is dedicated to improving the lives of patients in Honduras. Although born in Colombia, she has called Honduras her home for the past sixteen years. Dr. Ruiz Rodriguez completed her medical education and residency in ophthalmology in Honduras, where she became aware of the lack of oculoplastic surgeons in the country.
Driven by a desire to help patients who require specialized surgeries, Dr. Ruiz Rodriguez has pursued ACE Global’s first fellowship in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Her interest in eyelid techniques, grafts, orbit, and more is fueled by her passion for learning techniques and skills that will enable her to provide better care to patients in need.
Dr. Ruiz Rodriguez understands the importance of acquiring knowledge and experience in her field. She is committed to using her skills to help the most vulnerable patients and populations in Honduras. Her long-term goal is to stay in Honduras and use her knowledge and skills to help as many patients as possible. She is grateful for the opportunities she has had and believes that proper treatment can help people both physically and emotionally. Through her fellowship, Dr. Ruiz Rodriguez hopes to make a significant contribution to her academic and medical career and improve the lives of many patients in Honduras.
As ACE Global’s inaugural OPRS fellow, Dr. Ruiz has gained unique insights into the global health impact of this fellowship program in Honduras. She laid out her findings in the research poster below, which she presented at the Global Ophthalmology Summit.
There are many reasons to get involved in the exciting and rewarding world of global outreach in oculoplastic surgery.
In this insightful episode of The Oculofacial Podcast, ACE Global’s OPRS Co-Chairs, Dr. Sara Wester, and Dr. Parag Gandhi, delve into personal narratives from their international experiences, the impact of their work, partnerships like the Honduras fellowship with ACE Global, and provide actionable tips for those interested in starting their own global outreach work.
Having helped bring this first-of-its-kind fellowship training program to fruition, Dr. Gandhi has had the opportunity to witness first-hand how it fosters teaching, collaboration, and the creation of sustainable healthcare solutions.
Ready to start making your own impact on global health? ACE Global offers three easy ways to get involved:
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