Previous Projects
Nicaragua - Cooperative Orthopedics between Nicaragua and America
Instruments of Mercy's mission is to repair medical equipment already in the hands of surgeons and healthcare providers for upcoming mission trips to third world countries. We are here to help, but the real heroes are the surgeons, anesthesiologists, OR nurses, CRNAs, PTs, OTs, and OR techs who volunteer their time and expertise to travel across the world in an effort to bring modern healthcare to undeveloped countries.
It is my pleasure to introduce one of those heroes, Jeffery K. Kobs, MD, an orthopedic surgeon practicing at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is president of COAN (Cooperative Orthopedics between Nicaragua and America), a not-for-profit organization committed to optimizing the orthopedic healthcare and well-being of the people of Nicaragua. This organization was founded in 2002 following years of humanitarian efforts by individuals offering healthcare aid after the devastation of Hurricane Mitch.
Dr. Kobs commits his time to COAN not only as the President of the organization but also as the Programs Director & Missions Leader, coordinating three to four mission trips per year. His involvement in missions to Nicaragua predates the formation of COAN — Dr. Kobs has made a trip to Leon each year for the past 10 years.
A typical mission trip lasts one week, during which orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, anesthetists, and OR nurses perform and assist in surgical procedures and conduct teaching sessions for local staff. There is a concurrent infrastructure mission for non-medical personnel that involves upgrading the hospital with painting, plumbing, and construction jobs.
Recently, John Skinner introduced IOM to Dr. Kobs and as a result, IOM is assisting with COAN's most recent trip on April 18-25. Instruments of Mercy, with support from IMS, will refurbish an assortment of rigid scopes, light cords, cameras, drill heads, scissors, and various stainless instruments for the trip.
Dr. Kobs said, "This is a huge help to our mission! All of the orthopedic equipment in Leon, Nicaragua, is donated and in chronic poor repair... or even non-functional. With your help in refurbishing and upgrading donated equipment, we can be much more effective. I have been going to Rosales hospital for 10 years now and have seen quite a bit of change. They were using a corded Black and Decker drill or hand drill back then and had no arthroscopic equipment."
If you would like to assist in Dr. Kobs' future missions, please visit www.COANHealth.com to see how you can help. COAN counts on donations from organizations such as IOM, as well as individual support, to make their important work in Nicaragua possible.
- Sharrie Robinson, IOM Operations Coordinator
