Tifton orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jim Scott will be heading to Haiti to aid those in need of medical care after the recent earthquakes.

“The need for orthopedic care is so great there right now,” Dr. Scott said. “There are many broken bones and other trauma that desperately need repairing.”

He will be flying into Haiti with a mission group based in Ft. Pierce, Fla., that does fresh-water well drilling. Missionary Flights International already has permits, making it easier to get into the devastated country. “Getting into and out of Haiti is very difficult right now,” Dr. Scott said. “Many people, including people in Sen. Saxby Chambliss’s office have been very helpful getting me to this point.”

And while trained healthcare workers are needed, the demand for medical supplies is just as great. “I will be taking many medications with me that were donated by Tift Regional Medical Center,” Dr. Scott said. “The hospital has been great about furnishing supplies.”

In addition to the essential supplies and medications he will have with him on this trip, more supplies will be shipped directly there. “Medications and casting supplies are the greatest need right now,” said Dr. Scott. “But so many people I have talked with are donating bigger equipment that will go to Haiti in later flights.”

He plans to set up clinic and possibly join with other groups who are already in Haiti when he arrives. “I will definitely have to operate in a different way than I am used to,” he said. “The lack of facilities and even electricity will make us focus on treating the basics.”

Dr. Scott plans to stay in Haiti for a week, but hopes to make more return trips.

See WALB-TV Channel 10’s news story by clicking here.