“What I learned is that there is an enthusiasm for knowledge and excitement (and maybe even craving) for what can be done, and a group of people who warmly welcome anyone who shares their interests and demonstrates an interest in their world.“
-HVO Hand Surgery Volunteer to Ghana
READY TO VOLUNTEER?
There are multiple steps to the placement process and often more than one approval is required. The process varies slightly from country-to-country and project-to-project. We strive to make this process as quick as possible but potential volunteers should be aware that final approval can take several months.
- To begin the placement process, complete the volunteer application and submit your CV.
ACTIVE PROJECTS
Kumasi, Ghana – Accident and Emergency Center at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
Volunteers work with the plastics department. Volunteers offer hands-on instruction in the operating room and clinic.
Assignment: 2-4 weeks
Teaching Topics: Hand surgery – plastics
Opportunities for Those-in-Training: Final year residents accepted if paired with an appropriate preceptor.
Qualifications: Board eligible/certified; current license to practice (active or retired).
Activities: Clinical training, continuing education, education material development, faculty/staff training, mentoring.
Housing: Housing is provided.
Companions: Suitable for companion/spouse; not suitable for children.
Tegucigalpa, Honduras – Hospital Escuela
Hand surgeons augment the training curriculum in hand surgery for plastic, orthopaedic and general surgery residents. In addition, volunteers act as consultants in the out-patient clinic as an opportunity to continue the training of the residents.
Assignment: 1 week
Teaching Topics: Hand surgery – all topics
Opportunities for Those-in-Training: No.
Qualifications: Board eligible/certified; current license to practice (active or retired).
Activities: Clinical training, continuing education, departmental conferences, didactic instruction, education material development, faculty/staff training, formal lecturing, grand rounds, mentoring.
Housing: Volunteer responsible for housing; information on nearby facilities provided.
Companions: Not suitable for companion/spouse; not suitable for children.
Managua, Nicaragua – Hospital La Mascota
Please note: HVO is not currently placing volunteers at this project.
This joint hand surgery/hand therapy program augments the training for hand therapists and surgeons. Volunteers are involved in training through lecturing, conducting rounds, demonstrating specialty expertise, and attending weekly conferences for staff, residents, and hand therapists. Volunteers act as consultants in the out-patient clinic and provide clinical instruction.
Assignment: 1 week
Teaching Topics: Hand surgery – all topics; hand therapy – all topics
Opportunities for Those-in-Training: Residents and fellows accepted if paired with an appropriate preceptor..
Qualifications: Hand surgery volunteers – board certified in orthopaedics, plastics, or general surgery; hand therapy volunteers – certified hand therapists; fluency in Spanish recommended.
Activities: Clinical training, continuing education, departmental conferences, didactic instruction, faculty/staff training, formal lecturing, grand rounds, mentoring.
Housing: Volunteer responsible for housing; information on nearby facilities provided.
Companions: Suitable for companion/spouse; suitable for children.