Ohana One was honored to be a Silver Sponsor at the prestigious Global Anaesthesia, Surgery and Obstetric Collaboration (GASOC) conference. This event, held at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, on September 23, 2023, brought together approximately 350 delegates from 49 online and in-person countries, with over 400 attendees. It was a day marked by innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for a healthier global community.

At the heart of Ohana One’s participation was Dr. Michele Dee, a co-founder of Ohana One and a dedicated anesthesiologist from Cedars-Sinai. With a rich background in anesthesiology, including a significant role in teaching anesthesiology residents and student nurse anesthetists, Dr. Dee has long been a champion of global health outreach. Her journey through general surgery residency, a Pediatric Trauma Surgery Fellowship, and a transition to Pediatric Anesthesia has been driven by a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of the global state of surgical and anesthesia care.

Dr. Dee’s work on international surgical missions, particularly in pediatric surgery, has provided critical care and focused on educating anesthesiology staff in various countries. This commitment to sharing knowledge and resources led to the founding of Ohana One International Surgical Aid, a testament to the belief that global health outreach is crucial and that sharing intellectual resources is a collective responsibility.

The GASOC conference provided a unique platform for Dr. Dee to share the mission of Ohana One and our innovative partnerships with Vuzix and TeleVU. These collaborations have opened new doors for remote surgical learning, offering groundbreaking possibilities for surgeons around the world. As a Silver Sponsor, Ohana One enjoyed a prominent presence at the event, with dedicated space for engagement and the opportunity to showcase its our mission.

Dr. Dee’s presentation, titled “Anaesthesia Delivery in Resource-Limited Settings,” was a highlight of the conference, offering insights into the challenges and solutions for delivering anesthesia care in underserved areas. Her one-hour talk not only shed light on the critical work being done by Ohana One but also underscored the importance of technology and education in advancing global health.

The partnership with GASOC aligns perfectly with Ohana One’s goals. GASOC’s mission to encourage trainees and early-career professionals to engage in global surgery responsibly and impactfully mirrors Ohana One’s commitment to education and outreach. Together, they strive to increase engagement in global surgery activities and facilitate a commitment to leadership in global health.

Ohana One’s participation as a Silver Sponsor at the GASOC conference is a milestone in our journey to improve surgical and anesthesia care worldwide. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to global health, Ohana One and its partners continue to make strides toward a future where quality healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of geography or resources.