TL/DR –
A Panamanian bus driver named Jesús received reconstructive surgery for large scars on his ears after a vehicle accident using US and Panamanian medical professionals aboard the USNS Comfort. The procedure was part of Continuing Promise 2025, a humanitarian mission led by the U.S. Southern Command, which aims to improve public health and response to humanitarian crises. During its stop in Panama, the Comfort’s medical teams performed over 2,800 patient encounters, conducted seven surgeries, distributed 3,577 prescriptions, and performed 487 tooth extractions, among other services.
US and Panamanian Medical Teams Perform Life-Changing Surgery Aboard USNS Comfort
Jesús, a bus driver from Colón, Panama, has lived with painful and disfiguring scars on his ears for three years following a devastating accident. This week, he embarked on a new chapter when he underwent reconstructive surgery aboard the Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), thanks to a combined effort by U.S. and Panamanian medical professionals.
Jesús had previously been unable to afford private hospital care and found himself low on the priority list at public facilities. His wait for treatment came to an end when the Comfort arrived. “I’ve been well taken care of. It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m very thankful,” he said.
The surgery, part of the Continuing Promise 2025 humanitarian and civic assistance mission led by U.S. Southern Command, removed thick keloid scars that had impacted Jesús both physically and emotionally. Cmdr. Ryan Restrepo, a U.S. Navy plastic surgeon, described the surgery as one of the most complex during the ship’s stop in Panama.
Dr. Demetrio Villalba, a Panamanian plastic surgeon, partnered with Restrepo to perform the surgery. He highlighted the value of international medical collaborations, stating that such opportunities strengthened their partnership, which he expects will grow even stronger in the future.
The procedure was a triumph not just in technical terms, but in fostering human connection and trust, and making a long-term positive impact. Jesús initially felt embarrassed by his disfigurement but eventually trusted the medical team enough to proceed with the surgery.
Continuing Promise 2025 extends beyond surgeries to services like preventive medicine, dental care, veterinary assistance, and public health training. In collaboration with local government ministries, the mission also includes community health fairs, medical equipment repair, disaster preparedness exchanges, and professional medical symposia. The Comfort’s presence in Panama, now on its fifth visit since 2007, symbolizes the United States’ commitment to improving regional public health and humanitarian response alongside partner nations.
Throughout its stop in Colón, the ship’s medical teams completed over 2,800 patient encounters, performed seven surgeries, distributed 3,577 prescriptions, and conducted 487 tooth extractions. Additional services included 140 X-rays, 124 cardiology screenings, 339 lab tests, and the delivery of 29 pieces of physical therapy equipment. The veterinary team also spayed or neutered 375 animals and trained three local animal handlers, all in alignment with the mission’s broader public health goals.
Thanks to this partnership, Jesús can now walk through his community with renewed confidence, and he encourages others to seize similar opportunities. He will continue his recovery through follow-up care coordinated with Panamanian health professionals.
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