March 19, 2010

AUGUSTA, Ga -- A medical mission group from First Baptist Church of Augusta is headed to Chile, three weeks after an earthquake devastated parts of the country.

The trip had been in the works for a year, but organizers worried it would be canceled because of the quake.

Instead, the disaster has given the trip new purpose.

"The call came -- we need you now more than ever," said Associate Pastor Rodger Murchison.

"The hospitals in Concepcion have been compromised, patients have been sent down south, can you please come?"

Six couples, including five doctors, are now headed to Puerto Montt in southern Chile. Even though it's hundreds of miles from the quake epicenter, the group still expects to treat earthquake victims. Many patients from damaged hospitals were sent to other regions for care.

Dr. Randy Smith, a plastic surgeon, is on the trip. He's traveled to help people in need since 1982.

"I'm very excited about meeting new friends and taking care of new patients," he said. "I take all of my instruments with me, all my supplies so I'm ready for anything."

His kit includes a skin graft machine that is used to prepare skin to be transplanted. It's commonly used to treat patients with burns.

It's the type of specialty care that in short supply.

"They have general doctors and medical clinics, but they have a difficult time getting to specialists," said Dr. Robert Brand, an orthopedic surgeon.

"With children, there are a lot of burn issues, with open fires and stoves they can burn their skin on," said Murchison.

Manual laborers also run into problems, he said. "The orthopedic surgeon who is going will be seeing a lot of bone, hips, back issues."

The group is scheduled to do four days of clinic work, along with visits to churches. They will also spend two evenings with a home for girls.

The group gathered in prayer before boarding a charter bus to Atlanta.

They say faith guides them on missions like this one.

"My faith takes me there," Smith said. "I really enjoy working with people."