Angels in Medicine: How a Surgical Revolution is Changing Lives

Discover the transformative journey of the Nepal Cleft and Burn Center, a groundbreaking initiative led by the remarkable Dr. Shankar Man Rai. This pioneering institution has provided life-changing, free treatments to over 20,000 patients while nurturing homegrown medical expertise.

Once a land where reconstructive surgery was virtually nonexistent, the Nepal Cleft and Burn Center now stands as a beacon of hope, revolutionizing the landscape of medical care. What began with a chance encounter by American textile retailer Jim Webber has blossomed into Nepal’s first teaching hospital for reconstructive surgery, transforming countless lives through compassionate care and state-of-the-art procedures.

Founded in 2014 in Kirtipur, this remarkable Center emerged from a vision to combine international expertise with local talent. Spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Dr. Shankar Man Rai and Dr. Kiran Nakarmi, the facility has successfully treated over 20,000 cleft patients and is now turning its focus towards the urgent needs of burn care as the number of cleft cases declines.

Reflecting on this incredible evolution, Dr. Rai remarked, “Before the 1980s, cleft and burn treatment through plastic surgery was unheard of in the country.” The journey from relying on international volunteers to cultivating local expertise has been nothing short of remarkable.

Dr. Rai’s personal journey is a testament to the spirit of service and perseverance that defines the Center’s mission. Hailing from a farming family in rural Nepal, he was the first in his family to pursue higher education. Inspired by visiting ReSurge doctors demonstrating cleft surgeries, he trained in the United States, returning home to uplift his community. To date, he has performed over 12,000 free surgeries and laid the groundwork for Nepal’s inaugural plastic surgery residency program. His groundbreaking contributions have earned him multiple international accolades, including the prestigious Nathan R. Davis Award from the American Medical Association.

The impact of the facility goes far beyond surgeries; it encompasses vital services such as speech therapy, counseling, and outreach camps in remote regions. A shining example of this success is the story of Pritam Kunwar, who transformed from a struggling boat operator with speech difficulties to a Taekwondo instructor after receiving comprehensive care.

While the number of cleft surgeries has seen a significant decline over the past decade, burn cases continue to pose a growing challenge. The Center serves about 600 patients annually, with women and children making up the majority. Despite operating with only 30 beds and limited government support, the dedicated team remains unwavering in their commitment to providing free treatment, thanks to international funding from Jim Webber’s initiatives alongside support from ReSurge International and Smile Train.

As the Center expands with a new branch in Itahari, it exemplifies the extraordinary achievements of focused local expertise. Dr. Rai encapsulated this vision perfectly: “I am sure we will see a day when no patient seeking treatment in Nepal has to live with scars, both figuratively and literally.”

With every surgery performed by its devoted team of Nepali doctors, this dream inches ever closer to reality.

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Angels in Medicine is a volunteer-driven platform dedicated to honoring the selfless heroes of healthcare. Our mission is to shine a light on the physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and volunteers who tirelessly work to provide quality care to those in need—be it teens, the underprivileged, the elderly, or those in conflict-ridden areas. Explore their inspiring stories at www.medangel.org.

Interested in sharing your own story or know an Angel we should feature? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out at [email protected].