In January we left for Guadalajara, Mexico, to join an international group of prolotherapists for a week-long mission. Dr David de la Mora arranges this "brigada" annually, to help many Mexicans obtain treatment who otherwise would not be able to afford it. The group treated more than 1000 patients, had fun, experienced daily education times, exchanged experiences and techniques, and we feel blessed to have been included. This is one of the HHPF's (Hackett Hemwall Patterson Foundation) organised medical missions, led by the very capable Mary Doherty. This year in Mexico we had 5 Canadian physicians, many Americans, and also doctors from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Turkey and Italy volunteering! Here is the Canadian team goofing around, and also a photo  of all the doctors volunteering.

Here are the doctors, nurses and volunteers who headed down to inject prolotherapy in Honduras this year. It was my third opportunity to work in Honduras, where we helped many hurting people at clinics in 3 small towns there. It is such a privilege to do this, teaching, learning and helping. My lecture there this year was on wrist prolotherapy - we take it in turns to present topics. The Hackett Hemwall Patterson Foundation is such an excellent teaching organization  based in Wisconsin, where we meet up with good friends that we have made from different countries. In addition the foundation also sends down an Ear, Nose and Throat team as well as a Varicose Vein and Ulcer team. What a difference they make!

The University of BC regularly sends out articles by physicians who have found some aspect of medicine has changed the way they practice. I have been meaning to send them my views on the subject and here they are! Thank you to the many patients over the years who have taught me so much about the treatment of pain.