“There’s been an explosion of interest [in global volunteerism] in the last decade, which is really exciting,” reflected American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) International Committee member Coleen Sabatini, MD, during a recent interview with HVO staff, “but with that comes a need to take a step back and really have an honest conversation about where can our impact be the greatest, and how do we do the best work we can and not cause harm.”
Individuals attending the AAOS 2018 Annual Meeting in New Orleans this March will have an opportunity to join this conversation by attending the Global Volunteerism Instructional Course Lecture on Tuesday, March 6 from 1:30-3:30 pm. This session will be moderated by Dr. Sabatini, whose international volunteer experience includes supporting education and research in Uganda through the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA).
The session will also feature a number of speakers who have volunteered under the auspices of HVO, including Todd Kim, MD, a member of the Orthopaedics Overseas Board of Directors and project director for HVO’s orthopaedics training project in Malawi; Peter Trafton, MD, a former board member and project director for HVO’s orthopaedics training project in Ghana; and Divya Singh, MD, an Orthopaedics Overseas board member and project director for HVO’s training project in Myanmar.
During the session, the speakers will address the impact of the education-based volunteer model, and discuss the nuts and bolts of volunteering overseas, including how to prepare for an assignment and how to overcome common challenges encountered when practicing in resource-scarce settings. Whether you are looking for guidance as you embark on your first international volunteer assignment, or you are simply wondering whether international volunteer work is right for you, this session is an opportunity to engage with experts and learn more about global volunteerism!
If you are unable to attend the course on Tuesday, consider joining us for lunch instead! HVO will once again host a joint luncheon with the Société Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de Traumatologie (SICOT) at the AAOS Annual Meeting. This year’s featured speaker is Gaston Barnechea, MD, the former on-site coordinator for HVO’s orthopaedics training project in Peru. Those who attend the Global Volunteerism Instructional Course Lecture are of course also welcome to attend the luncheon, which will provide a further opportunity to celebrate and discuss global orthopaedic care. The luncheon will take place on Friday, March 9 from 12-2 pm. Tickets can be purchased for $100, and reservations are encouraged as space is limited.
Meeting attendees will also be able to connect with HVO staff members at booth #5620 in the exhibit hall. We are looking forward to answering your global volunteering questions, and sharing information about current volunteer opportunities in orthopaedics.
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Not an orthopaedist? Following us on social media is a good way to find out if HVO will have a presence at your professional association meeting, and to learn more about current volunteer opportunities in your specialty area.