Where in the World are VANA CRNAs: Mary O’Hanley
This month, VANA spoke with Mary O’Hanley, a nurse anesthetist from North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA) about her experience volunteering abroad with World Pediatric Project. If you have volunteered abroad and would like to share your story with VANA, please reach out to the Sarah Lazcano at [email protected].
I began my journey as a CRNA in 1997 working in an eye center, focusing on pediatric eye care. Now, as a CRNA at NAPA, I bring that same passion to my patients at home and abroad through my service on medical missions.
My first trip to St. Vincent, in the Grenadines, took place in 2008. Since then, I’ve returned annually with World Pediatric Project. As an organization, World Pediatric Project organizes 11 visits to the Grenadines every year, each with a different medical expertise. The teams on these visits offer services that are not readily available on the islands, contributing to the well-being of local communities.
My commitment to this cause goes beyond the clinical setting. Actively participating in fundraising activities, I help in the gathering of medical supplies and utilize my vacation time for each trip. These trips are entirely funded through community support and fundraising efforts, and our work supports an international medical hub in St. Vincent that provides visiting physicians the critical care tools they require.
The most rewarding aspect of my missions is witnessing the genuine gratitude of the local communities. Beginning on day one during our triage clinics, we get to work with patients who are genuinely grateful and happy to have us back in their community. As someone who has had the privilege of returning over multiple years, building relationships with families and individuals on-island has been a profound and humbling experience. We see families return year after year for after-care and are able to watch them grow over the years alongside us.
One poignant memory that stays with me is about a young boy who was badly burned as a baby. We treated him and at the end of our time, left the island knowing we had given him the best care we could – the same quality care we would give any patient here at home. He’s now a thriving 13-year-old and when we connect each year on my visit, I’m reminded of the lasting impact these missions can have on individuals and communities.
The exceptional team I work with on these missions is like a second family. We’re a close-knit group that bonds each year through shared experiences and a common goal. We’re challenged to navigate logistical challenges and changing political landscapes, so a commitment to teamwork is critical. We also work alongside local doctors and nurses and gain valuable cross-cultural experience when we navigate differences in communication together.
Our team bond and pre-operative assessments have proven to be critical. With so many patients dealing with time-sensitive needs, we often feel compelled to help in every single situation. I’m reminded of the support I received from my team when I assessed that a child dealing with congestive heart failure wasn’t healthy enough to proceed with medical care in St. Vincent, and urged the team to consider alternate options, like a Mercy Medical flight to the United States. I was sure the situation was too reckless but felt a greater sense of need and wasn’t sure how my team would receive my decision. I was met with complete support and even relief from those who were happy to know we could provide more advanced options in the United States.
I would encourage anyone to get involved in a trip like World Pediatric Project. The participants are incredibly qualified, and the process is like a job application. If this is something you’re interested in, reach out to organizations or people in your networks who are already participating to be connected.
Children are our future, and investing in their well-being is an investment in the future. If you share this belief, I encourage you to contribute to our cause or join us on an upcoming trip.
