International Medical Outreach

Just 10 years ago, the entire country of Belize had no cardiology or cardiac surgery facilities and the country’s only cardiac surgeon had limited impact because he lacked equipment and support staff.

In 2009, Atrium Health formed a partnership with the Heineman-Robicsek Foundation to develop the International Medical Outreach Program (IMO). Through this partnership, we have provided equipment, supplies and expertise that finally enabled Belize residents to receive cardiac care.

Over the past 10 years, Sanger’s cardiology teams have performed 307 cardiac catheterizations and 51 interventional procedures in Belize at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). In addition to cardiac catheterizations, the surgery teams have assisted with 59 open heart procedures.

“It’s very rewarding to know that we’re making a difference for people who had no other options except to travel to other countries for these procedures. For most, the cost would have been prohibitive,” says Glen Kowalchuk, MD. “We are providing the means for them to have their conditions diagnosed and treated in their community, near family and friends.”

Chen Chih “Jeff” Lin, MD, echo cardiologist at KHMH, is expanding his expertise to learn invasive cardiology.

“This year, collaborating with IMO has been an enriching journey, where diversity becomes our greatest strength. Together, we bridge cultures and medical expertise, creating a tapestry of shared knowledge that not only heals bodies but also nurtures a global community of care. It is certainly a great honor for me to work alongside these highly skilled health professionals,” says Lin.

According to Dr. Coye, the team from Atrium Health is helping KHMH, which is the nation’s flagship and only tertiary care hospital, build a comprehensive system of health care delivery.

“Working closely with these amazing and talented individuals has been a blessing for the country of Belize,” says Coye. “It gives me hope that this journey of self-actualization for this young country is an assured one, especially with working collectively with the many compassionate, empathetic, and ethical individuals who have been unselfish in sharing their greatest gifts, which are knowledge and time.”

“Our work there is an education and training mission. We’re sharing the most advanced techniques and approaches, and in doing so, we’re helping train Dr. Coye’s associates so that he can build his program to help more patients,” says Eric Skipper, MD. “It’s a very collaborative relationship.”

Sanger teams usually make an average of 10 trips per year to Belize to provide care and training.

How did the partnership with Belize come about? The late Francis Robicsek, MD, PhD, who founded Sanger and was well-known as a humanitarian, always had a love for Central America and a passion for helping the most vulnerable populations. While visiting his friend, the late Sir Barry Bowen in Belize, Robicsek learned of the absence of cardiac care there and subsequently met Dr. Coye. Dr. Robicsek then turned to Atrium Health to help supply equipment and asked his cardiovascular colleagues for on-the-ground support. That early commitment has blossomed to bring advanced cardiac care to hundreds of Belizeans – advancing Sanger’s mission of delivering care for all.