Orthopaedics Overseas Luncheon
February 16, 2007

Dr. Rick Coughlin chaired the 2007 Orthopaedics Overseas luncheon held during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in San Diego, CA.  The meeting was attended by many active members who renewed old acquaintances and enjoyed a delicious meal together. 

Rick and Yayoi Coughlin enjoy the company of Dr. David Rovinsky (right) at the annual Orthopaedics Overseas luncheon in San Diego

The highlight of the afternoon was an address by Dr. Lynn Staheli from Seattle, Washington, who talked about Global-Help, an organization that he has founded to provide medical literature online at little or no cost to medical workers in developing countries.  Dr. Staheli pointed out that the high cost of medical textbooks and periodicals results in a real block to the unfettered dissemination of medical knowledge in places where it is most needed.  By providing downloadable textbooks and articles through the internet, free of concerns about copyright infringement, Global-Help (www.global-help.org) provides access to needed information where it is most needed.

Drs. Coughlin and Jergesen had the opportunity to describe the mission of IGOT to many interested attendees at the luncheon.  Clearly, there is enthusiasm and support for the notion of establishing long-term collaborative arrangements with educational institutions and governmental organizations in underserved areas, rather than focusing only on short-term visits, based on the mission model.  It was particularly gratifying to meet with Dr. Dino Aguilar of Managua, Nicaragua who is based at the Hostital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas.

Drs. Dino Aguilar of Mangua, Nicaragua (left) and Harry Jergesen (right)

Dr. Aguilar has a clear vision of where improvements are needed in the educational program for orthopaedic residents At the Universidad National Automona de Nicaraguaca (UNAN) and how collaboration with institutions like UCSF could help in this effort.  He is interested in setting up a meeting between representatives from IGOT and the orthopaedic faculty at UNAN to lay the groundwork for a sustainable collaborative educational effort.