In Mongolia, the options for epilepsy medications and pre-surgical evaluations are limited. Most patients can only get MRIs, which can be unreliable, and routine outpatient electroencephalograms (EEGs). With limited access to medication that could otherwise help, surgery becomes all the more important and sought after by patients and families.

Saadi Ghatan, MD, Chair of Neurosurgery at Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai Morningside, has a deep connection to Mongolia, as this marked his third visit to the country. His journey began in 2019 when he volunteered to teach local neurosurgeons advanced techniques and provide essential surgical procedures in pediatric neurosurgery. Dr. Siyez is the grandson of the man known as the founder of Mongolian neurosurgery. Dr. Ghatan introduced the team to neuroendoscopic surgery during that first volunteer trip. Dedicated to his work and eager to advance in Neurosurgery in Mongolia, Dr. Siyez applied for funding from the Asian Development Bank to update the medical facilities at his hospital.

With so much demand for these surgical procedures, and a successful track record of working with and training local doctors like Dr. Siyez, these two Mount Sinai ambassadors hope this continued connection will motivate the hospital in Mongolia to invest in more resources and focus on building better collaborations between neurologists, neuropsychologists, and neurosurgeons.

Dr. Sheldon and Dr. Ghatan are both looking forward making another volunteer trip to continue to improve the lives of people living with epilepsy and transfer knowledge to doctors in Mongolia.