Evolving volunteerism.

Abstract

The process of volunteering to give orthopaedic care and teaching in developing countries often is evolutionary. Initial expectations of the type of surgery and the response of the patients and the local medical community often are different from what is anticipated. Because of many local factors, such as poorly-funded medical facilities, turnover in personnel, and limited time to accomplish the objectives, achieving long-term results often is frustrating. In an attempt to address the needs of disabled children in developing countries, a network of teaching hospitals for the care of disabled children was begun. A nonprofit organization was formed to raise funds for construction and ongoing expenses to support these hospitals in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and the Dominican Republic. Data are being accumulated in an attempt to define the appropriate and most fiscally responsible forms of care for common orthopaedic procedures. A blend of full-time orthopaedic surgeons who are supported by additional short-term volunteers enables a comprehensive teaching program, which ultimately can create major positive changes in the quality of care given to children in the developing world.