title: More than a surgical mission--pediatric Otolaryngology in Ethiopia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Improving the quality of pediatric healthcare in the developing world poses some formidable challenges. Surgical missions aim to improve the lot of individual children, but do little to alter the wellness of the majority.
  
  
  METHODS
  Members of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) are working in coordination with existing programs--universities, mission hospitals and non-governmental organizations--with a focus on public health and education of local physicians.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We have completed our first four visits to Ethiopia, teaching, performing surgery and building relationships.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We hope that by moving from the traditional surgical mission format to a long-term, integrated educational effort we can enhance otolaryngic care for children in Sub-Saharan Africa.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine, United States.
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Isaacson
authors.forename: Farrel J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Buchinsky
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D003906:Developing Countries; D005002:Ethiopia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008493:Medical Missions / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011634:Public Health; D058996:Quality Improvement; D014481:United States