Episode # 244 • 26 Jun 2025
Urology Mission Trip to Africa: Impact & Insights
Global medical missions bring unique challenges and powerful rewards—something Dr. Spencer Hiller and Dr. Kenneth Peters know firsthand. In this episode of BackTable Urology, they join host Dr. Jose Silva to reflect on their work in global health, focusing on their surgical missions to Zambia to treat complex urologic conditions, including vesicovaginal fistula, and a variety of general urologic cases.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:23 - The Mission to Africa: How It All Began
02:32 - Challenges and Logistics of Medical Missions
06:02 - Resident Involvement and Impact
09:10 - Preparation and Experiences in Africa
11:38 - Overcoming Obstacles: Supplies and Customs
19:18 - Types of Procedures and Medical Work in Africa
21:45 - Upgrading Equipment and Training Local Staff
28:28 - Daily Operations and Patient Management
31:00 - Post-Trip Activities and Community Engagement
34:26 - Funding and Sustainability Efforts
40:31 - Personal Reflections and Future Plans
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More about this episode
The discussion covers the origins and evolution of their missions, the preparation required for high-volume surgical trips, and the clinical impact on both patients and participating healthcare providers. Dr. Peters and Dr. Hiller detail the logistical and financial hurdles involved, the emphasis on sustainable care models, and their strategies for fundraising. They also emphasize the value of cultural immersion and the long-term goal of establishing educational and medical infrastructure within the communities they serve.
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