June 17, 2025 - MADERA, Calif. – Valley Children's is proud to welcome two physicians from Wigmore Women's and Children's Hospital in Yerevan, Armenia, for an intensive two-week knowledge exchange focused on gastroenterology and pediatric orthopaedic surgery.

While traditional medical missions focus on delivering clinical care to patients, this initiative invests in long-term skill development and systems improvement. By equipping Wigmore's physicians and staff with vital clinical and operational expertise, they're able to integrate these lessons into their daily care practices. As a result, this partnership is already showing positive outcomes, with Wigmore reporting notable improvements in patient health.

In April, under the guidance of specialists from Valley Children's, Wigmore doctors in Armenia successfully performed three surgeries for drug-resistant epilepsy, with no postoperative complications, marking a significant milestone for pediatric neurosurgery in the region.

"It took months of preparation for these two weeks of epilepsy surgeries, and I'm happy to say that all our patients are doing well and are seizure-free," said Dr. Cesar Santos, medical director of Neurosciences at Valley Children's. "I feel like we have been working with the Wigmore team for a long time. We work well together. There is a lot of respect and exchanges of ideas."

This partnership is a testament to the exceptional strengths and expertise of the Valley Children’s team. With an innovative and strategic mindset, our staff continues to serve as a guiding force, fostering sustainable improvements in medical practices in the Central Valley and beyond.

Looking ahead, the partnership will continue into the fall, when Valley Children's staff and physicians return to Armenia to support Wigmore's evolving pediatric healthcare needs. With each exchange, Valley Children's and Wigmore strengthen a shared vision: to ensure that children everywhere receive the high-quality care they deserve — not just today, but for generations to come.
Source: Valley Children's Healthcare, Madera, CA.