We work closely with our Guatemalan based counterpart, Asociación Compañero Para Cirugía, to change the lives of some of the world’s most forgotten people.
Partner for Surgery is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, incorporated in May, 2001 with the following mission:
To connect patients in need of surgical care in remote communities with the international volunteer triage and surgical teams that traveled to Guatemala, and to educate and empower rural Guatemalans to initiate and advocate for vital health care services on their own behalf.
We work closely with our Guatemalan based counterpart, Asociación Compañero Para Cirugía, to change the lives of some of the world’s most forgotten people.
Partner for Surgery originated when Todd Peterson, a Peace Corps in late 90’s volunteer in the most remote areas of Guatemala, realized the need for surgical care but found that many of the community members:
Troubled by the number of disabled community members, Todd investigated several local hospitals in search of one that would treat poor Guatemalans. He eventually discovered a hospital in Antigua where a handful of patients received surgical care and were freed from their former disabilities.
In 2001, Frank Peterson traveled to Guatemala to visit his son, Todd. During his visit, he saw the overwhelming need for surgical intervention for people in rural areas and the unfortunate lack of resources to get them.
Seeing the significant needs of people in the farthest regions, he returned to the United States, determined to help. He left his employment and founded Partner for Surgery (PFS) with his wife, Linda, and has dedicated the rest of his life to ensuring the surgical needs of thousands of Guatemalans are met.
© 2025 Partner for Surgery.
