Voluntary Surgery Missions

Plastic surgeon Murray Beagley participates regularly in voluntary surgery missions to the Third World through Interplast Australia & New Zealand, a non-profit organisation.

Interplast volunteers provide free treatment to people living with a disability due to congenital conditions such as hand deformities, cleft palate, or acquired conditions such as burns scar contractures. Treatment is targeted to those who would otherwise not be able to afford or access plastic surgery.
People living with a disability in developing countries are among the most disadvantaged in the world. Many suffer from treatable deformities and conditions but are unable to access treatment due to poverty, isolation or the lack of surgeons skilled in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Half of the patients treated by Interplast are nine years old or under. Often these children are ostracised from their society simply because they look different, or cannot perform simple tasks for themselves. A surgical procedure that requires relatively little equipment may repair their condition, providing the confidence to attend school, and grow up to contribute economically to their family and their community.