WEPPA Physician Leads Medical Mission in Ghana

WEPPA Physician Leads Life-Changing Medical Mission in Ghana

RALEIGH, N.C. – October 2025: Wake Emergency Physicians, PA (WEPPA) is proud to recognize Dr. Craig Mangum, Medical Director of the WakeMed Raleigh Adult Emergency Department, for his continued leadership and service through the international nonprofit Ghana Make a Difference (GMAD).

Each October, Dr. Mangum joins a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals on a two-week mission trip to Ghana to provide critical surgical care and clinical support to underserved communities. The initiative is part of GMAD’s long-term, sustained effort to improve access to medical treatment and enhance the quality of life for the people of Ghana.

“Every October I travel with this team, and it has been incredibly rewarding,” said Dr. Mangum. “There is such a profound need for medical care, and Ghana Make a Difference does a fantastic job of ensuring lasting impact.”

This year’s team included 75 volunteers, among them:

3 orthopedic surgeons
1 podiatrist
1 family medicine physician
1 plastic surgeon
2 general surgeons
1 emergency medicine physician
2 ENT specialists
7 CRNA specialists
15 nurses
5 scrub techs
Multiple humanitarian volunteers

Together, the team performed over 180 surgeries and treated more than 600 patients in their clinic, addressing conditions ranging from orthopedic and ENT concerns to general surgical needs and trauma-related injuries.

The Ghana Make a Difference medical missions take place each April and October, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to continuity of care and sustainable health initiatives.

“These trips remind me why I became a physician,” added Dr. Mangum. “The resilience and gratitude of the people we serve are truly humbling. It’s an honor to be a part of such meaningful global outreach.”

For more information about Ghana Make a Difference and its ongoing humanitarian efforts, visit ghanamakeadifference.org.

About WEPPA

Wake Emergency Physicians, PA (WEPPA) is a physician-owned emergency medicine group providing expert, compassionate care across North Carolina. WEPPA partners with healthcare organizations such as WakeMed Health & Hospitals, UNC Health Johnston, and UNC Health Lenoir, delivering high-quality, patient-focused emergency and acute care services. Learn more at weppa.org.