Where in the World is VANA: Cindy Linenthal
Name, Job Title, Employer:
Cindy Linenthal, DNAP, CRNA
Manager of Anesthesia Services
Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital
Rocky Mount, Virginia
Can you share a bit about your role?
I have been the Chief Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at a rural CRNA-only practice site since 2022. In this role, I provide anesthesia care across a wide range of surgical specialties and patient populations, including pediatric ENT, orthopedics, endocrine surgery, bariatrics, gynecology, and more. Prior to transferring to my current site, I worked at a level-one trauma center. My experience working with a local pediatric hand surgeon at that site—Dr. Peter Apel—led him to invite me to join his team on a mission trip to Guatemala. Dr. Apel is also Vice President of the Virginia Board of Medicine and a wonderful resource! He was seeking an anesthesia provider proficient in regional anesthesia who was comfortable with pediatrics. Given that both are common in my daily practice, it was an excellent fit.
Tell me about your trip and why you chose to go.
I traveled to Guatemala with a faith-based organization called Faith in Practice, which is based out of Texas. I have always had a desire to get involved with a medical mission group, and this organization has been a phenomenal fit for me. Guatemala is a country with significant healthcare deficits, and I feel incredibly blessed to have a skill set that can contribute to life-altering surgeries. Many of the children we treat are born with congenital abnormalities or have suffered traumatic injuries, and some have waited years for the surgical care they need. Being part of their healing journey is a privilege.
How long have you been doing these sorts of volunteering trips? Was this your first one?
This was my third year participating in a medical service trip with Faith in Practice. I plan to continue volunteering for many more years to come.
Why is service abroad important to you?
Service abroad is important to me because it pushes me outside of my comfort zone and allows me to connect with others in a deeply human way. It serves as a reminder of why I entered the healthcare field—not just to treat illness, but to provide compassion, care, and dignity to people who might not otherwise receive it.
Practicing in a resource-limited setting strengthens my clinical judgment, encourages creativity, and demands teamwork in ways that make me a more effective and thoughtful provider. Beyond the clinical impact, these experiences renew my sense of purpose and gratitude. They fill my heart and reaffirm my commitment to serving others.
What was one challenge you faced when practicing in Guatemala, and how did your team address it?
One of the biggest challenges we faced occurred toward the end of the week, when we were running very low on medical supplies. We were uncertain whether we would have enough resources to complete the remaining scheduled surgeries. As a team, we collaborated closely to maximize efficiency and ensure we used our supplies wisely. Fortunately, we also received some assistance from a Canadian team working with a different organization, which helped us meet our goals.
How do the skills you learn on these trips help you or translate to your work at home?
The skills I gain during these trips directly enhance the care I provide at home. Working in an environment with limited resources sharpens my clinical judgment and forces me to become more efficient and creative in my approach to care. These experiences also deepen my empathy and strengthen my communication skills, which help me build trust with patients and collaborate more effectively with my colleagues. All of these factors contribute to better outcomes and a more compassionate, patient-centered practice.
Was there a moment of success that helped or inspired you on the trip?
Yes, there was a particularly touching moment during our final rounds with the pediatric patients. When we entered the children’s ward, we found all of the kids up and playing together. As soon as they saw us, they ran over with big smiles to give us hugs and thank us. Witnessing their resilience and joy after undergoing surgery was deeply inspiring. Their bravery left a lasting impression on me.
What would you say to someone considering a trip to volunteer their time abroad?
I would say, just do it! There will never be a perfect time in life when everything feels “ready,” but the rewards of serving others in this way far outweigh the uncertainties. It’s a life-changing experience that will impact you as much as it helps the people you serve.
How can someone get involved in your organization?
Anyone interested in volunteering can reach out to me directly or visit the Faith in Practice website at www.faithinpractice.org to learn more and get involved.
