Cordero marks 10th medical mission to the Phillipines

NEWTON - Orlando Cordero, M.D., recently completed his 10th medical mission to the Philippines where he and a team of physicians distributed medicine to more than 3,000 patients, performed 200 major surgeries and 500 dental extractions. On each of the visits, Cordero, a radiologist on staff at Newton Memorial Hospital since 1976, and wife Aurora visit a different section of the Philippines, providing medical care to the indigent. “It’s fulfilling to use my skills and knowledge to provide medical care to the neediest sections of the Philippines,” he said. “But it’s always nice to return home.” Cordero and a team of physicians from across the country distributed medicine to more than 3,000 patients, performed 200 major surgeries and 500 dental extractions. Two years ago, Newton Memorial Hospital donated a piece of medical equipment for Dr. Cordero’s mission, an Electro Surgical Unit that is still in use. “It’s a great piece of equipment,” he said. “It just goes to show the importance of medical technology in these underserved, blighted communities and I’m proud that Newton Memorial provided it.” The machine is used to cauterize blood vessels and seal them off during surgery. It also easily cuts through skin and tissue.