Second Pre-screening Day

We were back at it again screening another 120+ (total 300+) patients. The flow of patients went smooth and effortless. Most of the patients were operative candidates with the exception of a few patients that were determined too difficult to perform in a "mission setting." They had severe airway issues or congenital heart problems associated with their specific syndromes and will end of having their surgeries at local hospitals within the area with the Moroccan plastic surgeons associated with our mission. Conjointly many volunteers prepared the operating rooms, recovery rooms, and patient wards for Monday's operating day. Meanwhile the patients that have been pre-screened are staying in local riads tonight awaiting tomorrow's announcement of whether they get to have surgery. Sadly, only 30-50% of patients we pre-screened meet the priority status to get their operation this coming week. The remainder will stay within the Operation Smile system and local Moroccan missions and eventually get their surgery later.

Tomorrow is the "team day off." The team organized a guided tour/lunch in Meknes (one hour away from Fes), the third ancient walled city of Morocco. A tour of Fes' medina (ancient walled city), markets and local festival are in store tomorrow. Hopefully an "Anthony Bourdain- No Resevervations style" food and cultural experience will be the blog topic tomorrow?!!

Operation Smile "Team Surgeon" pausing for photo break