From July 24 through August 8, Dr. Ian Fields led a team of Global Surgical Expedition surgeons including Dr. Samantha DeAndrade and Dr. Ellie Schmidt on a urogynecology mission to Botswana. In partnership with Princess Marina Hospital, the team evaluated 92 patients, performed 48 surgical procedures, and provided hands-on urogynecology training to local healthcare professionals.

Dr. Fields is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and an expert in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), where he also directs the OB/GYN Residency Program. Dr. DeAndrade is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and urogynecology specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Schmidt is an OHSU-trained obstetrician-gynecologist and urogynecology fellow whose interests include women’s health, research, and health advocacy. Together, the physicians combined specialized patient care with education and collaboration to help strengthen local capacity for treating complex pelvic-floor conditions.

Dr. Jacqueline Zillioux has experienced global surgical care from both sides of the program Global Surger Scholar Program (GSSP). Her November 2021 trip to Belize with GSE, while she was a urogynecology reconstructive pelvic surgery fellow, was a meaningful experience that reinforced her passion for surgical care and the importance of understanding the unique challenges of working in resource limited settings.

Now, Dr. Zillioux is helping inspire and prepare the next generation of students interested in global surgery. As a GSSP faculty member, she facilitates the Month 3 live session, “Metrics of Disease Burden and Interventions: What Information is Important and Where do I Get It?”

Reflecting on her own GSE experience and what she hopes to pass on to future global health professionals, Dr. Zillioux shared:

“My November 2021 trip with GSE to Belize was the first post-COVID trip, while I was a urogynecology reconstructive pelvic surgery (URPS) fellow. The trip was an incredible experience that felt like a return to the heart of surgical care and my "why" as a urologist/surgeon. Connecting with patients in need of quality-of-life surgical care, being able to provide that surgery, and see them postoperatively was deeply rewarding. The trip also taught me how to approach surgical care in a resource-limited environment with very little margin for error. URPS specialists already tend to be perfectionists and have low tolerance for complications, but operating in such an environment requires an even higher standard and careful preoperative decision making. Now as GSSP faculty member, I am excited to help the next generation experience the joys and lessons of global surgical care, and light their own fire and drive to continue this work in their practice.”

The Global Surgery Scholar Program (GSSP) is GSE’s flagship educational initiative designed to equip students and healthcare professionals with the knowledge, mentorship, and practical tools needed to expand access to surgical care in underserved communities in the United States and around the world. The GSSP combines didactic education with supervised, hands-on experiential learning — preparing participants not just to observe global surgery, but to practice it responsibly and sustainably.

January 9-16, 2027 - HONDURAS

Volunteers needed: Pre-op and PACU nurses, circulators, anesthesia, general (non-medical) volunteers

Feb 8-19, 2027 - BOTSWANA

Volunteers needed: Anesthesia (MD)

May 15-22, 2027 - HONDURAS

Volunteers needed: Pre-op and PACU nurses, circulators, scrub nurses/techs, anesthesia, general (non-medical) volunteers

Aug 16-27, 2027 - BOTSWANA

Volunteers needed: Anesthesia (MD)

Oct 16-23, 2027 HONDURAS

Volunteers needed: Pre-op and PACU nurses, circulators, anesthesia, general (non-medical) volunteers

Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with great music, delicious food, meaningful connections, and plenty of celebration! This special event brings the community together for a memorable night of fun while supporting an important cause. Come enjoy the festivities, connect with fellow supporters, and celebrate the impact made possible through your generosity.

© 2026 Global Surgical Expedition. All Rights Reserved.