Faculty from the Department of Otolaryngology at Stanford University have partnered with Global ENT Outreach in developing programs to provide Otology surgical services as well as advanced teaching to ENT physicians in the provincial Peru and El Salvador.
Under the direction of Dr. Ashkan Monfared, MD and Dr. Ana Messner, MD from Palo Alto, California, residents and fellows from Stanford have participated in GEO programs in Peru, El Salvador, and American Samoa.
The goal of this joint program is to provide surgery for those suffering ear disease, including acute and chronic mastoiditis, cholesteatomas, perforated ear drum with hearing loss, and congenital disorders of the ear, because of lack of access to needed care in their geographical location, and or due to the lack of the needed surgical expertise in their community. Secondly, the goal is to teach fellow ENT needed advanced skills to operate in the middle ear. Third, is to provide a hands-on practical experience that has the promise of developing an appreciation, understanding, and insight into other cultures in the world, while at the same time providing a great humanitarian service.