Hand Surgery

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.

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.

HVO Hand Surgery Honduras Project

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.

HVO Hand Surgery – Hand Therapy Nicaragua Project

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.