Mankato Clinic physician completes medical mission to Africa   

MANKATO (October 17, 2024) — In September, Dr. Scott Barnacle, Mankato Clinic OB-GYN, completed a 10-day medical mission trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where he trained Congolese healthcare providers and surgeons to safely deliver babies and perform hysterectomies in challenging conditions. The medical mission trip was conducted by the Paul Carlson Partnership.   

“Dedicated to providing care to the Congolese people, the Paul Carlson Partnership follows the mantra: Teach the Teacher,” Dr. Barnacle says. “Each medical mission is designed to teach skills to Congolese doctors and nurses so when the volunteers leave, the Congolese doctors and nurses can continue to provide high quality care to their patients.”  

Dr. Barnacle conducted important medical training with Congolese healthcare partners in the Karawa region. Together with another physician, they trained 26 students from the region to deliver babies under incredibly difficult circumstances. As part of their training, the students learned how to treat postpartum hemorrhages. In addition, they trained a master trainer to continue education and training across the DRC.  

“The people in Congo suffer from all the conditions we have in the United States, but the hospitals and clinics do not have the most basic resources to care for patients. Things we take for granted like running water and basic sanitation are scarce in this area of Africa. The doctors and nurses must make do with very little.  The care they provide though is excellent despite their limitations,” Dr. Barnacle says. “You can see their passion for caring for their patients.”  

Dr. Barnacle also trained three surgeons to safely perform hysterectomies in very challenging conditions. The Congolese surgeons observed Dr. Barnacle perform hysterectomies. Next, under his supervision the Congolese surgeons performed needed hysterectomies. They provided 17 hysterectomies to women. A hysterectomy can be a life-saving measure, improve a woman’s life, treat cancer or fix serious problems that affect a woman’s health.  

Surgical instruments were purchased by Dr. Barnacle. Upon completion of the training, the equipment was donated to the Karawa Hospital where it was greatly needed for future surgeries.  

The Paul Carlson Partnership is accepting donations to address the most urgent needs facing its partners in the DRC. Donations help build local capacity in healthcare, economic development and support communities in extreme poverty. Visit www.paulcarlson.org.  

About Mankato Clinic 

In 1916, Mankato Clinic was founded in Mankato by five area physicians who believed that a comprehensive, multi-specialty group practice offered the best means of providing quality health care to the residents of southern Minnesota. Mankato Clinic has grown to nearly 200 physicians and practitioners, employs more than 900 total people and is one of the only physician owned and led medical facilities in the state of Minnesota.