MADERA, Calif. — Valley Children’s Healthcare is deepening its international ties by hosting two physicians from Wigmore Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Yerevan, Armenia, for a two-week exchange focused on pediatric gastroenterology and orthopaedic surgery.
Unlike traditional medical missions that focus mainly on treating patients, this initiative takes a broader, more sustainable approach. It’s designed to strengthen the skills of Wigmore Hospital’s medical staff and improve the systems they rely on every day. The goal is to empower local healthcare workers with the knowledge and tools they need to deliver high-quality care long after the mission ends.
The collaboration is already yielding results. In April, under the remote guidance of Valley Children’s specialists, Wigmore doctors successfully performed three surgeries for drug-resistant epilepsy – a first for the Armenian hospital. All patients recovered without complications.
“It took months of preparation for these two weeks of epilepsy surgeries, and I’m happy to say that all our patients are doing well and are seizure-free,” said Dr. Cesar Santos, medical director of Neurosciences at Valley Children’s. “We work well together. There is a lot of respect and exchange of ideas.”
The partnership highlights an ongoing effort by Valley Children’s to improving pediatric care beyond the Central Valley. The hospital’s team continues to play a key role in supporting lasting improvements in global healthcare.
The collaboration is set to continue this fall when Valley Children’s physicians head back to Armenia to support Wigmore Hospital’s growing pediatric needs. Both hospitals share a common goal: making sure children everywhere have access to the high-quality medical care they deserve.
To learn more about the partnership, click here.
