Happy International Women’s Day! Today we celebrate the achievements of women around the world delivering medical care. And what better way to do so than by highlighting the incredible work of Dr. Elve Laborde, MD, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist who recently embarked on a mission to Lebanon with Pastor Jerry Park’s World Companion Fellowship. While she felt nervous about the mission at first, not knowing quite what to expect, she was completely comfortable as she travelled to her third visit in 2022 with a Clarius C3 HD3 in her bag. 

During her five-day mission to central and northern Beirut, Dr. Laborde and three other physicians took care of 508 patients including women, men, and children. 

As an Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Dr. Laborde mostly treated women during her visit. She used the Clarius C3 HD3 to calculate gestational age, check fetal heart rate, confirm fetal presentation, and evaluate ovarian cysts. 

Many women are having multiple pregnancies despite their circumstances. Prenatal care is still very important,” she explains. Dr. Laborde also spent time performing IUD checks on women who are taking advantage of the benefits of long-term birth control, which are being subsidized by other aid organizations. “The Clarius Ultrasound was useful for IUD checks on women who were uncomfortable with a vaginal exam,” she says, “they were happy that it was available.”

Working in a group practice in New York, which has 10 cart-based ultrasound systems, Dr. Laborde uses ultrasound daily in her practice for quick checkups. She was pleased to see Clarius provided the same image quality and features as the systems she uses at home. Recently, she recommended Clarius to a friend who is starting a private practice in Kentucky. 

Clarius worked well and I saw everything I needed to see,” she says. “It was easy to use in the field and the battery lasted throughout my clinic sessions. It was nice not to be dependent on electrical outlets. I’m hoping to take it on my next mission trip.” 

About World Companion Fellowship 

Founded by Jerry Park, the World Companion Fellowship is on a mission to holistically serve the global poor and persecuted through relief, medical care, development, and training. 

We can always use the help of other physicians,” says Dr. Laborde. “It’s very rewarding to go on mission trips to provide care. It makes you more grateful for what we have at home.” 

Clarius Global Health Program 

Clarius offers free short-term loans of handheld ultrasound scanners for global missions. Contact us to learn more.