Every year, a group of U.S. medical professionals travels to Honduras with a shared mission: to provide specialized healthcare to patients who lack access to costly surgical procedures.

Among them are Dr. Scott Sigman, an orthopedic surgeon, and Jake Manfredi, sports medicine specialist, both from Boston, Massachusetts, who recently led a new medical mission in the country.

The team provided care at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, located just outside Tegucigalpa, a site that has become a cornerstone for humanitarian medical assistance in Honduras.

A Medical Mission Built on Commitment

Dr. Scott Sigman has participated in four medical missions to Honduras, working closely with the surgical team of One World Surgery. This year, he was joined by experienced colleagues, including Dr. Michael Redler, who has taken part in nearly ten missions.

“Each year, we are excited to return and bring an incredible team to provide the care the people of Honduras truly deserve”, Sigman said.

For Jake Manfredi, this mission marked his first international medical outreach experience, where he played a critical role managing surgical equipment and ensuring that operating rooms functioned efficiently.

Comprehensive Care and Specialized Surgeries

The medical center offers a wide range of services during these missions, including primary care, optometry, dental services, general surgery and orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Sigman and his team focus primarily on sports medicine procedures, particularly surgeries involving the knee, shoulder, spine and lower extremities. During this mission, ACL reconstructions represented a significant portion of the procedures performed.

More Than 70 Surgeries in One Week

The brigade operates three surgical rooms simultaneously, allowing the team to treat an average of 15 patients per day. Over the course of five intensive days, the medical staff can perform up to 75 surgeries, many of them life-changing for patients who rely on physical mobility to work and support their families.

One World Surgery coordinates 35 to 40 medical missions each year, ensuring a steady presence of world-class healthcare professionals in Honduras.

A Motivation Rooted in Service

Manfredi described the mission as a deeply humbling experience. “Coming here puts life into perspective. Helping people who have waited years for a procedure is incredibly rewarding”, he said.

Dr. Sigman echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the value of donating time and expertise. “Healthcare can be expensive and difficult to access. Offering my skills freely is one of the most meaningful things I can do”, he stated.

A Warm Welcome from the Honduran People

Beyond the operating rooms, the team experienced the warmth and generosity of the Honduran people. Manfredi, who documented the journey on social media, shared how local business owners and citizens reached out to support the mission after learning about their work online.

“The hospitality was overwhelming. People welcomed us with kindness and genuine gratitude”, he said.

Working Hand in Hand with Honduran Professionals

Dr. Sigman expressed special appreciation for the Honduran staff at the Santa Familia Surgery Center, where local professionals dedicate their lives to providing free surgical care.

“They make our work possible. Their commitment allows us to focus entirely on helping patients heal”. Sigman noted.

Surgeries That Restore Mobility and Hope

The missions also address complex trauma cases and deformities, many resulting from traffic accidents. Through collaboration between U.S. and Honduran surgeons, patients who once struggled to walk have regained mobility within weeks.

Manfredi highlighted the work of Dr. Merlin, a Honduran spine surgeon who returned to serve his community after completing medical training abroad. “Seeing patients stand again and return to their daily lives is extraordinary”, he said.

Overcoming Challenges in Low-Resource Settings

Operating in a country with limited resources presents challenges, yet Dr. Sigman praised the level of preparation and available equipment.

“I was impressed by the surgical inventory. It felt like operating in the United States, but in Honduras”, he explained.

A Message of Gratitude and Pride

As the mission concluded, Dr. Scott Sigman expressed deep pride in serving the Honduran people, while Jake Manfredi thanked the communities for their trust and support, describing the experience as one that will remain with him for a lifetime.

Jake Manfredi to Scott Sigman in an interview for Once Noticias

This was a work by Carlos Canaca, a Honduran journalist.

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