I am pleased to introduce the 2023 Annual Report, a testament to Ohana One’s strides in advancing surgical care worldwide in alignment with our mission and vision.

Throughout the year, our endeavors thrived. We proudly released the award winning documentary “10,000 Mile Bridge,” showcasing our impactful work in Mozambique, where we fostered surgical education and collaboration through mentorship and technical assistance.

Additionally, we conducted three webinars highlighting our esteemed partners and our collaborative efforts globally.Our presence at conferences furthered our mission, allowing us to spotlight Ohana One’s work and forge valuable partnerships.

Central to our ethos, mentorship remains pivotal. Our innovative Surgical Sight Program seamlessly integrates mentorship with state-of-the-art technology, revolutionizing the global exchange of surgical skills. In 2023, this program expanded to 52 countries, benefiting 182 surgeons and directly impacting over 2,600 individuals.

Our commitment to mental wellness for surgeons persists, with ongoing development based on direct feedback from practitioners worldwide.

The Ohana One documentary is more than just a film; it is a call to action. The title of the documentary is The Ten Thousand Mile Bridge: Closing the Surgical Gap in sub Saharan Africa. The filmmakers behind this powerful project wanted to bring attention to a critical problem while showcasing the solution. Their mission was clear – to raise awareness, engage the audience, and expose them to the healthcare crisis unfolding in Mozambique.

The real stories captured in the documentary are profoundly moving, compelling viewers to be agents of change. Witnessing the frustrations and resilience of the local doctors struggling within a resource-strapped system is both humbling and awe-inspiring. These surgeons and those supporting them never give up their fight to make a difference.

As the camera pans through the hospital, the stark reality becomes evident. Mold-covered walls, empty shelves, and a severe shortage of nurses underscore the lack of adequate medical care. There are no doctors making house calls, and patients endure painful procedures without anesthesia. The economic challenges and limited access to surgical intervention paint a distressing picture. But in the face of adversity, Ohana One offers a solution – training local doctors through technology.

Our team was made of 7 medical volunteers, 4 documentary filmmaking volunteers, and 5 non-medical volunteers. We operated in 3 hospitals in Mozambique. Our team worked tirelessly to provide complex surgery to 15 children and adults, worked in the burn unit for inpatient care, and at the same time provided training to the local doctors, nurses and residents.

We took every opportunity to teach in the Operating Room and the burn unit, and lead multiple journal clubs with the plastic surgery residents and surgeons, and formal educational teaching sessions. We saw approximately 80 patients during our mission week. We are proud to announce that we were able to hand-carry the first Starlink Satellite Wifi to the country of Mozambique. This is one of the first starlinks to be deployed to the entire continent of Africa, and the very first starlink to be deployed dedicated to surgical training and education in the world!

We received $711,076 in in-kind donations for supplies and equipment we used during the mission.

Thank you to MTF Biologics for donating cell dressings which drastically expedite healing for burn victims.

We also appreciate InvinciKids for helping introduce VR solutions to our surgical missions and beyond.

Our partners ReSurge and Health Collaboration Center helped make this mission possible.

Dr. Pedro Santos’ life took a significant turn when he crossed paths with Dr. David Kulber, whose mentorship became pivotal in shaping Dr. Santos’ career trajectory. Initially, the mentorship only happened when Dr. Kulber traveled to Mozambique.

With the introduction of smart glass technology, Dr. Santos found a means to continue his educational journey, even after Dr. Kulber physically left Mozambique. Their collaborative efforts not only transformed Dr. Santos’ professional life but also served as the inspiration that led to the establishment of Ohana One. Dr. Santos’ professional journey underscores the profound impact of mentorship and technology in empowering dedicated and skilled surgeons facing resource constraints. Under Dr. Kulber’s mentorship, Dr. Santos has honed his skills and cultivated a deep sense of support and confidence. As a result, Dr. Santos has grown his expertise and is now mentoring three residents. Dr. Santos is contributing significantly to the advancement of surgical expertise in Mozambique and beyond as a result of the training and support he has received.