Recap: Annandale OB/GYN’s Impact in El Salvador 2025

This past week, providers from Annandale OB/GYN returned to El Salvador for their fourth medical mission, led by Dr. Anna Le joined by a growing team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and support staff. Their focus was on providing free gynecologic surgeries and sharing the latest advancements in women’s health with local doctors.

The team partnered once again with Hospital San Rafael, where they performed 26 complex surgeries in just one week, including procedures for uterine fibroids, cervical cancer, and ovarian cysts. Since the beginning of these missions, Annandale’s team has completed more than 75 surgeries in El Salvador.

Beyond surgery, the trip also emphasized medical education and collaboration. Annandale’s physicians led training sessions and seminars to update Salvadoran doctors on the latest techniques in gynecology and minimally invasive surgery. This knowledge exchange ensures that both public and private healthcare providers in El Salvador benefit from international expertise.

The mission grew out of a unique connection five years ago, when a sports equipment donation trip sparked the idea for a continuing partnership in women’s health. Today, that effort has evolved into an ongoing collaboration between Annandale OB/GYN, the Salvadoran Ministry of Health, and the Embassy of El Salvador in the United States.

For many involved, the mission is personal. Her Excellency Milena Mayorga herself shared that she was diagnosed with cervical cancer during one of Annandale’s earlier missions—a discovery that saved her life. She highlighted the importance of prevention, routine screenings, and the life-saving impact of these visits.

Looking forward, both sides hope to expand the partnership further. Plans are underway to create observership opportunities in the United States for Salvadoran physicians, fostering a two-way exchange of knowledge, skills, and innovation in women’s health.

As Payam Kashi summarized in his interview alongside her Excellency Milena Mayorga, this mission is not only about helping women in El Salvador—it is about pushing the boundaries of women’s healthcare globally, through collaboration, training, and compassion.

Watch a recap of our trip from Madam Mayorga's team below: