Dr. Sahil Vohra: A Journey of Service, Growth, and Renewed Purpose
Some experiences leave such a lasting impression that they change the way we see our work, our purpose, and the lives we have the opportunity to touch. For Dr. Sahil Vohra, his journey with Faith in Practice is one of those experiences.
Dr. Vohra, orthopaedic surgeon, first joined Dr. Apel in Guatemala in 2022 as a fellow. At the time, he was living in Roanoke, Virginia, completing his hand fellowship and working alongside Dr. Apel as part of the orthopedic team serving patients in Antigua. During that first mission, he experienced firsthand the impact that compassionate care and the gift of medical service can have on individuals and families.
The experience stayed with him long after he returned home. Inspired by what he had witnessed and been part of in Guatemala, Dr. Vohra went on to participate in two additional medical mission trips to Vietnam.
Now, in 2026, he has returned to Guatemala, but this time his role looks a little different. After building his career and establishing himself in California, Dr. Vohra is back not as a fellow following Dr. Apel’s lead, but as a surgeon working alongside him as a colleague and mentor. He has also brought members of his own team to serve alongside him: circulating nurse Kristi Culver, and scrub technicians Rose Mantes and Kerri Fitzgerald. Having the opportunity to bring his team and share this experience with them has made the trip even more meaningful.
As he reflected on the differences between his first trip and this one, Dr. Vohra shared how much his role has evolved. In 2022, he was learning and following Dr. Apel’s direction. Today, he carries the responsibility of making more independent decisions, managing his own time and tasks. He sees the opportunity to serve alongside three surgeons at Hospital Hilario Galindo (HHG) as an incredible advantage, allowing the team to accomplish even more for the patients who need them.
Despite the changes in his career, one thing has remained the same: the reason he keeps coming back.
Dr. Vohra described mission trips as a sort of mental reset. In the busyness and demands of everyday medical practice, it can be easy to get caught up in the responsibilities, decisions, and routines of the profession. These trips offer an opportunity to step back and remember the heart behind it all. They are a reminder of why he chose orthopedics in the first place: the opportunity to change lives.
That sentiment reflects the heart of this mission. Every patient represents more than a procedure or a diagnosis. They are individuals with families, responsibilities, dreams, and futures that can look very different after receiving the care they need. The opportunity to restore function, relieve pain, or give someone greater independence is a gift that extends far beyond the operating room.
Dr. Vohra also encourages others to take that leap of faith and experience a mission trip with Faith in Practice. Sometimes, stepping outside of our familiar routines and saying yes to an opportunity to serve can open doors we never expected. God often works through the willingness of others to share their gifts, talents, and compassion, and the impact reaches far beyond what we may ever fully see.
Having the opportunity to watch Dr. Vohra work firsthand throughout this mission has been truly remarkable. His compassion for his patients, dedication to his practice, and commitment to making a difference are evident in the care he provides. It is a beautiful reminder that the skills we develop and the gifts we are given can become powerful instruments in God’s hands.
As Dr. Vohra returns to Guatemala, his journey reminds us that a single experience of service can grow into a lifetime of purpose. What began as a fellowship opportunity in 2022 has become a continued commitment to serving others, building relationships, and using his calling to change lives.
We are grateful to have Dr. Vohra and his team here with us this year. Their willingness to give their time, share their expertise, and serve these patients is a reflection of the love of Christ in action.
-Ryan Benson Photographer and Blogger
