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The doctors from ENT & Allergy Associates help out with Healing The Children New Jersey and International Surgical Health Initiative. Both non-profits run ongoing service trips for medical professionals.
Physicians as well was nurses sign up to provide pro-bono care for youngsters who do not have access to life-changing surgical procedures.
“Physicians, nurses - we have no trouble getting volunteers,” said Dr. Lee Eisenberg who has been in practice for nearly 40 years. As a founding partner of ENT & Allergy Associates, he has the flexibility and took time off to participate in the program. Others made the scheduling sacrifices to serve others. “They all volunteer their vacation time.”
Urologists, eye doctors, dental professionals, plastic surgeons, and ear, nose and throat physicians take trips to Dominican Republic, Peru, Ecuador and other places where they perform procedures. Dr. Robin Brody from the Hackensack office as well as Dr. David Grinberg of the West Nyack office of ENT & Allergy Associates are participants.
Doctors conduct up to 70 surgeries a day, and during a trip to La Romana, Dominican Republic, they cared for over 400 youngsters during an 11-day trip.
Occasionally, patients come to the United States to access facilities. Several families host young patients in their homes during the recovery process.
“We had a 3-year-old child who swallowed lye, and that patient came to Denver," he said. “Lots of people volunteer their time - it’s trying to convince the hospitals to donate their time. It’s expensive."
Eisenberg hopes to have an on-site microscope at one of the volunteer locations, but that may cost $7,000 - $10,000.
"If you know anything about writing grants, it can be very difficult to obtain the funds," he said. "But it is a great experience and families are extremely thankful."
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