Beyond Borders: An Oral Surgeon's Experience Working in Africa for 15 Years (with Dr. Tim Bartholomew)

Everyday Oral Surgery

Have you ever thought about what it's like to perform complex oral surgeries in some of the most remote parts of Africa? Today, we sit down with Dr. Timothy Bartholomew, a leading oral and maxillofacial surgeon at North Coast Oral Surgery, to discuss his transformative work in Africa. With a deep commitment to patient care and a reputation for excellence, Dr. Bartholomew specializes in advanced surgical techniques that transform smiles and improve lives. In our conversation, we delve into Tim’s time working in Africa and the challenges and triumphs of working in resource-limited settings. We discuss how his practice setup allows him to continue his work abroad, the different fellowships he participated in, and how working in Africa added to his expertise. Hear about how he got started, how he funded his initial humanitarian work, why he needed to learn French, and his experience working in a mission hospital. Explore what he learned about making his resources last longer, improvising with what you have safely, why follow-ups are his biggest challenge, and the personable aspect of working in Africa. Gain insights into the upcoming trips he has planned, how he balances his work abroad with family life, what he learned about poverty, and vital considerations for anyone thinking of committing to humanitarian work. Join us and discover the ins and outs of working beyond borders with Dr. Tim Bartholomew. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Tim’s training background, his current practice setup, and what he focuses on.
• What experience and qualities are needed to pursue humanitarian work.
• Hear about the hurdles he had to overcome and the lessons he learned.
• The type of compromises it takes to work in a mission hospital in Africa.
• How his wife’s passion for being a mission doctor plays into his work.
• Find out what he finds so rewarding about working in Africa.
• Differences in working as a dentist in Africa compared to America.
• Discover how oral surgeons can help support those working abroad.
• Future trips he has planned and why he continues his work abroad.
• Advice and resources for oral surgeons considering humanitarian work.
• Favorite books, how he unwinds, his ultimate forceps, and more!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Tim Bartholomew — https://www.northcoastoralsurgery.com/timothy-bartholomew-dds-facs

Dr. Tim Bartholomew Email — [e-mail]

North Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery — https://www.northcoastoralsurgery.com/

Smile Train — https://www.smiletrain.org/

When Helping Hurts — https://www.amazon.com/When-Helping-Hurts-Alleviate-Yourself/dp/0802409989/

A History of the English-Speaking Peoples — https://www.amazon.com/History-English-Speaking-Peoples-Bloomsbury-Revelations/dp/1474216315

McHale's Navy — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055689/

MedSend — https://medsend.org

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [e-mail]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059