Operation International has welcomed an exciting new team to its roster.

Team Heart of Texas was founded in 2024 by Dr. Evan Longfield (ENT, Head and Neck surgeon), Kati Davenport (ENT nurse practitioner), and Dr. Ryan Raju (ENT, Head and Neck surgeon).

"We are a dedicated team of medical professionals from the 'Heart' of Central Texas, united by a shared commitment to delivering advanced Head and Neck and ENT surgical care to underserved communities around the world," team leaders said. "Our team’s mission is to provide specialized, life-changing surgical interventions wherever the need is greatest."

Team Heart of Texas will kick off its partnership with Operation International with an inaugural mission to Rakai, Uganda in the spring of 2025. Read below to get to know the team better, according to Dr. Longfield:

‍

What inspired you to create a team with Operation International? What about the organization was appealing to you?

We had been looking for an opportunity to participate in an international humanitarian surgical mission for some time, but finding the right fit for my skill set as an ENT surgeon proved challenging. Kati, my nurse practitioner, had gone on several family medicine trips over the years, but none were specifically related to ENT, our specialty. The chance to create a new team with Operation International was too good to pass up. It allowed us to shape a chapter of the charity that aligns with our practice and specialties.

‍
We also deeply appreciate Operation International’s non-religious and non-denominational approach, which ensures that patient care is provided without restrictions based on religious background. Additionally, the logistical support offered by Operation International made the process far less daunting, as starting a new charity from the ground up would have been a significant challenge. This partnership has given us an excellent opportunity to collaborate with other surgeons in our region and give back to the global community.

‍

‍

Have you participated in volunteer surgical missions previously? Where?

While I haven’t participated in primary surgical missions before, I grew up with a deep appreciation for service. During high school, I went on several international service trips, including a formative three-week medical service trip to Kenya with my family, where we worked in a rural bush clinic serving the local community. I also took part in multiple service trips throughout high school and college, both in Mexico and rural parts of the United States. Since completing residency and establishing my practice, I am now incredibly thankful for the chance to renew this passion and serve in a meaningful way through Operation International.

‍

‍
What are your hopes for the growth of the Heart of Texas team?

Our vision for the Heart of Texas team is to grow into a sustainable, collaborative group that can deliver specialized ENT surgical care to underserved communities around the world. In the short term, we hope to build a strong foundation by creating partnerships with local medical providers in the regions we serve, ensuring continuity of care for patients after our missions. We also aim to involve more healthcare professionals from central Texas, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and support staff, so that our team can expand its reach and impact over time.

‍
In the long term, we would love for our team to make regular trips to the same communities.  Additionally, we hope to focus on training local providers during our missions, empowering them with the skills and knowledge to care for their own communities year-round. This way, our work can leave a lasting legacy beyond our visits. Ultimately, we want the Heart of Texas team to be a reliable source of care and support for communities in need, wherever our skills can make the greatest difference.

‍

‍

What medical specialties will the team focus on? Why is this important in the places you hope to visit (you can start with Uganda if that is the only place chosen so far)?

The Heart of Texas team will focus primarily on ENT (ear, nose, and throat) and head and neck surgery. This includes providing specialized care for conditions like thyroid disorders and head and neck tumors. These are conditions that often require surgical intervention, but access to ENT specialists and the necessary surgical care can be extremely limited in the regions we aim to serve.

‍
Our initial focus is on Rakai, Uganda, where there is a specific need for surgical management of thyroid goiters related to iodine deficiency. Through discussion with the charity leadership, we have identified this as the area of greatest need. Our hope is to focus on complex thyroid management, as well as other ENT services including keloids and other head and neck tumors.

‍
By bringing ENT expertise to communities that have little or no access to these services, we hope to fill a critical gap in care, address conditions that are often left untreated, and ultimately improve the quality of life for the patients we serve. Our goal is not only to provide care, but also to empower local providers, through training, to deliver these essential services long after our team has departed.

‍

Interested in supporting the Heart of Texas Team? Find their specialized donation fund here.