Missions

New Jersey Plastic Surgeon Giving Back Worldwide

From January 18-22, 2015, Dr. Bhupesh Vasisht and his colleagues at Destination Hope will be on a medical mission to a provincial hospital in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. Dr. Vasisht, along with his fellow plastic surgeons, Dr. Scott Moser and Dr. Reza Momeni, as well as anesthesiologist, Dr. Vernon Huang, will be operating on quite a number of patients with congenital deformities.

Dr. Bhupesh Vasisht’s Live Blog of the Destination Hope Mission to Occidental Mindoro, Philippines:

March 6, 2015:

The following video sums up our incredible mission to the Philippines:

January 29, 2015:

We just wrapped up an incredible mission to the Philippines. The following story from a few years ago is a powerful reminder of the privilege we have in .

January 22, 2015:

Five year old Belly James Flores lit up the hospital the second he arrived. Within minutes, everyone knew he dreamed of being the next Filipino movie star (like John Lloyd Cruz). Before surgery, his extended family surrounded him and described his painful struggle to communicate with his peers.Their excited cheers filled the halls as he headed into the operating room. After surgery, their joy was overwhelming. Belly James’ charisma and happiness touched us all; we look forward to seeing him someday on the big screen!belly-james-flores1

January 21, 2015:

All the children we treat are beautiful. Some are unfortunate to be born with mild imperfections that nature throws their way. Destination Hope attempts to correct these deformities. Here, our team comes across a beautiful baby. Who can deny the cute factor of this little one?! Thanks to all those who help our organization, we can treat this beautiful baby!baby-patient

January 20, 2015:

“After a long day of operating, it’s nice to get a chance to explore the local geography! This a typical sunset scene on the South China Sea in occidental Mindoro, Philippines! It’s breathtaking and priceless – One of the perks of doing remote medical missions!!”sunset-south-china-sea

January 18, 2015:

“Thanks to some good fortune, the entire team made it. We’re now hard at work.”

January 17, 2015:

“Here is my photo at the San Jose Airport. Now, on to the hospital.”dr-v-in-san-joseFrom Manila Airport: “All our supplies did not make to destination due to impending hurricane as all the waterways are shut down! Going to plan B…check it in with all regular luggage!! Let’s see if we can get it to San Jose one way or another! Hurricane …bring it in! Destination hope remains undeterred!”manila-airportAlready, our supplies did not make it via the ferry that was scheduled to take it there. All the water ways are closed today and tomorrow. We are hoping that the supplies will be allowed on the plane ride.

Once we arrive, we will begin our work immediately by heading to the hospital. It remains to be seen what nature has in the works for our team! Mother nature always wins!”

January 16, 2015:

“This was our medical team in 2012, the last time we had a medical mission to Occidental Mindoro, Philippines:”2012-mission

_80292529_80292528January 15, 2015:

“The Pope arrived in Manila today.”

“He has a full schedule through Sunday:

Thursday – Arrives in Manila
Friday – Meets President Benigno Aquino and celebrates Mass in Manila Cathedral
Saturday – Heads to Tacloban, to celebrate Mass and have lunch with survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. Returns to Manila that evening.
Sunday – Morning meeting with representatives of various religions and with young people, before celebrating Mass for up to six million people in Rizal Park

The big challenge we share with The Pope during our trip to The Philippines: Tropical Storm Mekkhala is now expected to make landfall on Saturday!”

January 14, 2015:

“We’re about to leave in a few hours for The Philippines. All of us are so excited to embark on this latest journey. Interesting timing about this mission:” The Pope will be visiting The Philippines at the same time!
“The scary part of this mission: There is a big storm brewing!”phillipines-storm

About Dr. Bhupesh Vasisht and South Shore Plastic Surgery

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD, FACS, is a highly-trained Vorhees, New Jersey plastic surgeon and the Medical Director at South Shore Plastic Surgery. Dr. Vasisht is a principal member of 2 organizations, which conduct international medical missions:

1. American Society of Indian Plastic Surgeons
2. Destination Hope

Destination Hope Videos: