USACS APP Embarks on Surgical Expedition to Honduras
Elizabeth Argenbright, PA-C, is no stranger to a full-circle moment. In 2010, she embarked on a medical mission to Honduras while working in healthcare administration at Bon Secours. Little did she know this experience would change her life, sending her back to school to become a PA.
Fast forward to the present, Elizabeth is the APP Lead at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital and serves at additional USACS sites in Virginia. Earlier this year, she had the chance to revisit Honduras with Global Surgical Expedition (GSE), a medical charity that deploys surgical teams to underserved nations. This trip marked a meaningful return to where it all began, as she continued to expand her impact across borders.
Sharing her story, Elizabeth opens with a reflection on her past. “When I initially traveled to Honduras, I felt there was something missing in my career,” she recalls. “It was through my encounters with the local population that I ultimately found the answer. I will never forget the kindness and appreciation that poured out of the community for the care they received. Our interactions sparked a love for medicine that I couldn’t ignore. I came home, quit my job as soon as I got off the plane, and haven’t looked back since.”
Elizabeth went on to graduate from James Madison University and joined USACS in 2017. Simultaneously, she pursued her interest in medical missions, which led her to engagement in GSE. She sits on the Board of Advisors and is the Chair for the Fundraising and Development Committee, in charge of planning the annual gala. Within these positions, she is guided by a motto: to turn what she is good at doing into doing good for others.
“My involvement in GSE has been incredibly fulfilling,” Elizabeth affirms. “It is a joy to play a role behind the scenes and participate directly at the bedside. Of course, it was a no-brainer to take part in the trip to Honduras. I couldn’t think of anything better than going to the place that shaped my path, now in a new clinical capacity. After much anticipation and preparation, it was finally go-time in mid-January. I departed for the one-week brigade with 21 other volunteers, ranging from Nurses to Surgeons.”
The expedition united Clinicians from multiple health systems, including Bon Secours, UVA Health, Yale School of Medicine, Northwestern Medical Center, and Northstar Anesthesia. It was organized in partnership with One World Surgery, a nonprofit that operates the Holy Family Surgery Center and the Moscati Center where the team resides. These centers are located on the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos ranch, about an hour from the city of Tegucigalpa.
“From the jump, it was clear that the facilities were well-oiled machines,” Elizabeth notes. “The surgery center features three operating rooms, six clinic bays, a dental clinic, and an eye clinic. We assessed the medical equipment at our disposal, reviewed the electronic medical record, and met with the Honduran Clinicians who work there full-time. Their local team offers year-round consults, surgeries, and follow-up care, which are essential for the patients alongside our brigades.”
Once oriented, the volunteers went straight into action the following morning. Elizabeth started off in the clinic to evaluate patients and determine surgical plans. She identified those with the most urgent needs and scheduled less critical cases to be seen on the next medical mission. The specialties were diverse, covering urology, urogynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and general surgery. Every individual brought their strengths to the table to help as many people as possible.
“As the week progressed, I alternated between the clinic and the operating rooms,” Elizabeth adds. “Each day came with a variety of patients and unique responsibilities. Some of the common conditions I saw were bladder prolapse, chronic urinary tract infections, and chronic indwelling Foley catheters. We performed several cystoscopies, urethroplasties, and transurethral resections of the prostate. By the end, 128 patients were cared for in clinic, 55 surgical patients were treated, and 110 procedures were completed.”
Beyond clinical services, the GSE team contributed their medical education as well. The expedition fostered a collaborative atmosphere, in which the Honduran Clinicians were integral translators. Working together clinically presented learning opportunities that help the surgery center to consistently advance care. This relationship does not dissipate when the trip concludes but is rather bolstered through the future brigades held three times per year.
“To this point, the outcomes go deeper than the tangible results,” Elizabeth explains. “What stays with me are the expressions of healing and hope. It is the patient who leaves with a smile, confident their quality of life has improved. It is the trust they have established in the surgery center and the support that will carry on. These memories refuel my fire, taking me back to the basics of why I became a PA. I will always be grateful to Honduras for inspiring my passion and for allowing me to return years later.”
It is with a Servant’s Heart that Elizabeth makes a difference both near and far. She welcomes those curious about GSE to contact her via email for more information. We also encourage our Physicians and APPs to take advantage of the USACS Medical Missions Program. Through this program, our colleagues can use their business expense accounts to fund their volunteer efforts. Our goal is to provide the necessary resources to take their skills around the globe.