OhioHealth Physician Returns From Seventh Mission Trip to South America

Dr. Brian Zimmerman treated over 340 patients in underserved Brazilian communities along the Amazon River.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:22pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image revealing the internal components of a medical instrument or piece of equipment, conceptually representing the vital healthcare services provided by Dr. Zimmerman on his mission trips to Brazil.An X-ray view of the medical tools and supplies used by Dr. Zimmerman and his team to provide free care to underserved communities in Brazil.Mansfield Today

Brian Zimmerman, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, recently returned from his seventh medical mission trip to South America. Zimmerman and a team of healthcare professionals traveled to three communities in Brazil along the Amazon River, treating over 340 patients in just over a week.

Why it matters

Zimmerman has been traveling to South America to provide free medical care for underserved communities for over a decade. His experiences on these mission trips have shaped how he cares for indigent patients at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital's wound care clinic.

The details

On his most recent trip, Zimmerman and his team, which included OhioHealth associates Ariah Avila and Kelly Keller, used a medical boat to travel between communities and provide care. They treated a variety of conditions, including arthritis, infections, cysts, fungal and bacterial infections, and wounds. Zimmerman says the patients were extremely grateful, often expressing their thanks by hugging him and the staff.

  • Zimmerman just returned from his seventh mission trip to South America last month.
  • The team treated over 340 patients in just over a week.

The players

Brian Zimmerman, DPM

A podiatric surgeon at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital who has been traveling to South America on medical mission trips for over a decade.

Ariah Avila

A surgery tech at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital who accompanied Zimmerman on the recent mission trip.

Kelly Keller, CNP

An advanced practitioner at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital who accompanied Zimmerman on the recent mission trip.

Sonya Spayde

A former OhioHealth associate who accompanied Zimmerman on the recent mission trip.

Scott Toth and Michelle Toth

Founders of Hope Ministries in Brazil, who assisted Zimmerman's team on the recent mission trip.

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What they’re saying

“These people are so underserved and so appreciative. They need medical care and I am so overjoyed to be able to help and provide it for free.”

— Brian Zimmerman, DPM, Podiatric Surgeon, OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital

“We'd start at about 8 AM, and we'd go until about 6 PM seeing patients. Generally, there was a big line of people waiting at 8 AM because frankly, they wanted to be taken care of and not miss their opportunity. People would come out of the woodwork for eight to ten hours.”

— Brian Zimmerman, DPM, Podiatric Surgeon, OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital

“Every patient who came in there would say, 'Obrigada or Obrigado,' which means thank you. They'd hug me or our staff. They're very, very appreciative.”

— Brian Zimmerman, DPM, Podiatric Surgeon, OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital

What’s next

Zimmerman has no definite plans to return to South America for an eighth mission trip at the moment, but given his passion for giving back and strong faith, it seems likely he will continue his medical mission work in the future.

The takeaway

Zimmerman's experiences on these medical mission trips have not only allowed him to provide much-needed care to underserved communities, but have also shaped how he approaches caring for indigent patients at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, demonstrating the profound impact that global outreach can have on local healthcare.