Author Archive

Dear Luis-

My apologies for the delayed note; today is my first moment to regroup after the travels and clinical call upon return.

First, my best wishes to you, Mary and your family as you face her illness together.  I know it is very difficult, but I also know that support of family and friends in these situations is important.  All of us here are friends who offer our unqualified support and our prayers.

With regard to Yantalo and Peru, let me say simply, thank you.  Though not as much as you, I have traveled and lived many places…the trip to Yantalo was unique, memorable and positive in ways that surprised me.  What you are doing rekindled some of my 1960’s idealism.  It was one of the most rewarding trips I’ve undertaken; the medical aspects, Yantalo school, our companions, the jungle, everything about it. Your kindness and hospitality were extraordinary.  I am indebted to you for all of your efforts on our behalf.

We’ll talk the week of October 12 regarding next steps.  I have given this some thought.  If we are to organize a Jan/Feb 2010 meeting related to minimally invasive surgery we will have to move quickly.  We are planning a lecture here on campus later this month to provide our colleagues some insight.  We’ll talk.

Again, gracias and best wishes.

Keith T. Oldham, MD
Professor and Chief
Division of Pediatric Surgery
Medical College of Wisconsin
Marie Z. Uihlein Chair and Surgeon-in-Chief
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

During the preconstruction activity, 60 students, 6 teachers and 9 parents donated a full day to clean the land for construction of the Clinic. Their main equipment was a machete to clear the bushes and small trees. Next, a heavy machine moved in to level the land. This month there will be precise marking of foundation areas with white powdered chalk and sticks in all corners, as well as the construction of entrances for heavy equipment, temporary parking areas, bringing electricity for equipment and making arrangements for water supply.