Members of the Slocum Orthopedics team recently participated in an 8-day medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic with the Restore Together Foundation for Care, a nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to orthopedic care and supporting surgical education in underserved communities.

This marked Slocum’s fourth trip with Restore Together Foundation for Care and included participation alongside 65 volunteer healthcare professionals from across the U.S.

The Slocum team included:

• Five orthopedic surgeons: Dr. Jewett, Dr. Hoellrich, Dr. Godfrey, Dr. Van Der Horst, and Dr. Fitzpatrick
• Nurses & physician assistants
• Physical & occupational therapists
• Additional clinical and operational support staff

Clinical Care and Surgical Work

During the trip, the volunteer team worked across four hospitals and provided care to 188 patients. In total, 81 surgeries were performed, including 11 total knee replacement procedures. Patients were evaluated, treated, and followed in coordination with local medical teams. All care provided through the mission was offered at minimal or no cost to patients.

Education and Collaboration

In addition to patient care, the mission included an educational component focused on clinical training and shared learning. Slocum surgeons participated in an orthopedic education conference attended by 72 physician residents, contributing to case discussions and instruction alongside Dominican physicians and trainees.

Education and collaboration with local providers are central to Restore Together Foundation for Care’s approach, with an emphasis on supporting local care teams and long-term capacity.

How it Comes Together

Restore Together Foundation for Care coordinates these missions in close partnership with Creighton University and ILAC, as well as local physicians. Each trip involves significant preparation before the team arrives and continued coordination after the surgical work is complete.

For Slocum clinicians, participating means joining a larger group effort, working alongside Dominican physicians and residents, sharing clinical approaches, and supporting patient care within existing systems.
This structure is what makes the partnership work, and why Slocum continues to participate when the opportunity arises.

Learn more about the organization at restore-together.org.