Recent news about the MHA Program
UHN surgeon takes orthopedics to Guatemala
November 2007 – In November 2007, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rod Davey joined Operation Walk, traveling to Guatemala in order to perform hip and knee replacement surgeries on that nation’s less privileged patients. Operation Walk provides free surgical treatment for patients in developing countries who suffer from arthritis or other debilitating bone and joint conditions. The organization also educates medical professionals in developing countries on advanced treatment and surgical techniques.
Dr. Davey’s team of 40 included surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, anaesthesiologists and internists from across Canada and the U.S. The team brought with it all necessary supplies, and Smith & Nephew, an orthopedic development and marketing company, donated all the prostheses. “Residents have no exposure to joint replacement surgery. The only people who have access are those who can afford to fly elsewhere and pay for care,” said Dr. Davey. “Our patients were so grateful. It was great to be able to do something we all love so much for the good of people who might not have been able to receive treatment if we hadn’t been there.”
