Giving Back and Finding Fulfillment Through Medical Missions With Dr. Brian Scannell

The Prosperous Doc

Healthcare access is not equal across all countries around the world. Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Scannell is actively working to address this issue. Recently, he resumed his passion for medical missions, embarking on a journey to provide essential care to underserved communities.

In this episode of the Prosperous Doc Podcast, as Dr. Scannell joins host Shane Tenny, CFP®, to share his experiences and insights, offering inspiration for those considering similar humanitarian endeavors.

Project Perfect World started in the late 80s with the refurbishment of a medical clinic in Ecuador. Dr. Scannell began volunteering with the group around 2010. At that time, the project’s focus was shifting toward pediatric orthopedics. Now the group organizes twice-yearly missions to the area, providing medical care each spring and fall.

“Anytime you're doing mission work, I think of going in and making sure that local surgeons and physicians are involved, making sure that there's good communication, making sure that there is good follow-up for those patients,” Dr. Scannell says. “So it's never something that you go in and you do these big surgeries, and then you're just gone.”

The trips have been profoundly fulfilling for Dr. Scannell, both in terms of fighting burnout, reigniting his passion for the profession, and building long-term friendships with the other doctors who travel with him.

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Dr. Brian Scannell

What he does: Dr. Brian Scannell specializes in pediatric orthopedic surgery at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, NC, and serves as the Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program Director at Carolinas Medical Center Atrium Health. He is currently the Chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at Levine Children's Hospital Atrium Health.

Company: OrthoCarolina

Words of wisdom: “It's one of those things that refills the bucket. There's other things that I do to kind of help refill my bucket. But medicine and healthcare is hard and burnout is real. We all feel that at times. It's a fun, selfless thing that I found that the patients are unbelievably grateful for, and that refills my bucket.”

Connect: Website | Project Perfect World

💰 On the Money 💰

Top takeaways from this episode

• Project Perfect World brings surgeons to Ecuador. The initiative was originally started to honor the memory of Bob Simpson’s son, who was killed by a drunk driver. The original projects included assisting medical clinics and slowly became more specialized over time. Dr. Scannell found the organization through peers in the industry who invited him on his first mission around 2010.
• Education is an important part of the missions. Dr. Scannell explains how the team typically operates with two American surgeons in each surgery, one serving as the primary surgeon and the other focusing on education. Ensuring ongoing communication and follow-up care for patients is an important part of their trips. The team also conducts educational sessions for nurses and local surgeons, creating a supportive environment for skill development and knowledge sharing.
• The absence of screening protocols results in more surgical needs. Dr. Scannell sees more cases of congenital hip dysplasia, often in older children, which means they may need surgical intervention. He also performs foot and ankle surgeries for clubfoot, something that is rarely seen in the US.
• Find fulfillment in the work. Despite the costs, missed income, and long hours, Dr. Scannell finds the mission work incredibly rewarding. In addition to the rewarding patient care, he’s formed friendships with the other medical staff who go on the missions that enrich the experience.

⚡ Prosperous Insights ⚡

[02:21] Ortho and kids: Dr. Scannell shares his early medical journey and what brought him to decide on orthopedics and pediatrics. Mentors early on in his career inspired him to become an orthopedic surgeon.

[05:03] Operating all over the body: Dr. Scannell enjoys getting to do a variety of procedures in his practice. He specializes in scoliosis and spine deformity cases, as well as congenital issues like club feet and hip dysplasia in infants and children.

[06:37] Project Perfect World: Dr. Scannell first got involved in medical missions through existing friendships and long-term connections with fellow physicians.

[08:39] Delivering much-needed care: The project started in the 80s with the refurbishment of a medical center in Ecuador. Today, there is a distinct focus on providing the orthopedic care that the country so desperately needs.

[09:52] Adjusting to new work environments: Dr. Scannell reviews what a typical day looks like during the mission. Some things are similar to working at home in the US, though sometimes the process and how he approaches cases differs.

[16:25] Lack of screening protocols: Not having screening protocols in place at birth means that Dr. Scannell has found later-term cases of hip dysplasia, some as late as five years old.

[20:39] Refill the bucket: Dr. Scannell participates in the mission trips because the work is rewarding and it gives him a chance to take a break from the American medical system.

[23:45] Fight burnout by giving back: Dr. Scannell reviews different ways to get involved with medical missions and things to consider when deciding which trip or initiative might be the right fit.

[28:50] Good mentors are priceless: Both the crew who attend the missions with Dr. Scannell and the doctors who influenced him early on in his career get a shout-out for their impact.

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Disclaimer: Prosperous Doc podcast by Spaugh Dameron Tenny highlights real-life stories from doctors and dentists to encourage and inspire listeners through discussions of professional successes and failures in addition to personal stories and financial wellness advice. Spaugh Dameron Tenny is a comprehensive financial planning firm serving doctors and dentists in Charlotte, NC. To find out more about Spaugh Dameron Tenny, visit our website at www.sdtplanning.com. You can also connect with our host, Shane Tenny, CFP at [e-mail] or on Twitter.

Compliance code: CRN202704-6309673