Journal of Hand Therapy 27 (2014) 158
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Journal of Hand Therapy journal homepage: www.jhandtherapy.org
Clinical Commentary
Clinical Commentary in Response to “A physician’s perspective on volunteering overseas. It’s not all about sharing the latest technology” Lynn Bassini MA, OTR, CHT * Board Member and Founder, Guatemala Healing Hands Foundation, Brooklyn, NY, USA
I was hoping to identify throughout the manuscript a long list of critical components that I believe are key to a successful volunteer experience. After being involved in a variety of “missions” over the last 15 years I have experienced the culmination of a mission with successful outcomes, the disappointment of an aborted experience and the ultimate failure, with loss of life. Furthermore, being born into a different culture and brought up in a third world country, has allowed me to personally experience the impact of international aid. As I read this paper, I gradually crossed off my list every one of the components. Each point was not only addressed in perfect detail but it came to life with real examples, words to be used and an explanation of why such approach is best. The paper clearly reflects an extremely talented surgeon with vast international experience, cultural and human sensitivity, and deeply principled. “Above all, do no harm,” is further challenged by serving internationally. The medical volunteer faces different circumstances and many unfamiliar factors as they attempt to help and not harm. I believe this paper should be required reading for all those who are considering or venturing into a “medical mission.” The author’s message is clear; this type of journey is best tackled by being well prepared and with the benefit of the experience of others. One must not attempt to “reinvent the wheel” but to build on the knowledge of those who have been there before. Failure to learn from others can potentially set up a disastrous situation. A patient may develop complications, unmet expectations from patients and family, a local medical provider may become angered or threatened, and the volunteer may never be invited back, the authorities may question their presence or confiscate supplies, just to name a few of the possible things that may go wrong. The author touches upon every step involved in humanitarian work, from the concerns about ones personal ability, to the challenges of culture and logistics with serving abroad. He describes in detail the attributes of a successful volunteer, so as to help the reader think through his/her personality to make sure this type of experience is right for them. The manuscript is written in such a personal and down to earth manner, that it feels as if the author is sitting down with us over
* Corresponding author. E-mail address: [email protected].
a cup of coffee and sharing the many pearls wisely earned throughout many years, and never once sounding preachy! Credit is also given to others who contributed to the information presented. The author highlights the importance of clarity throughout the entire process of volunteering. Understanding and communicating expectations between the host and volunteer are fundamental and necessary. The host may expect the surgeon to operate and the therapist to fabricate orthotics. However the surgeon and therapist may feel that a non-surgical option, education and team approach may be the best way to tackle a particular situation and only opt for surgery and orthotics when the risk and follow up have been carefully evaluated. Furthermore, the volunteer must also understand and respect local conditions and traditional techniques. I particularly appreciated the author identifying “the stiff hand as a major issue confronted in underserved countries.” I also consider this a major problem and a perfect opportunity to provide valuable information about causes, prevention, anatomy, problem solving, and possibly even orthotics and surgical procedures! The importance of carefully observing and thinking through every move is highlighted. The volunteer may be faced with those who welcome the help and those who may be threatened. The awareness and sensitivity of all those involved must be at the forefront. Communicating with respect, clarity, appropriate facts, basic principles and humbleness will allow for a more open and comfortable dialog. The level of skill and education of surgeons and therapists may be different, as is the relationship between the surgeon and the therapist. The volunteer must step back and understand the dynamics of these relationships in each particular setting and proceed with great tact. I congratulate the author for the work he has done throughout the world. I truly believe he has been not only a medical provider and educator but also a messenger of peace and good will. He leads by example and exemplifies the definition of “humanitarian.” The amount of information in this skillfully written article is vast and valuable. As the author states, “it’s not all about sharing the latest technology” but rather, he gives us an amazing legacy of human factors involved in the process of preparing for and volunteering overseas. It is clear that although volunteering oversees must be done with “eyes wide awake,” it provides the volunteer an opportunity to further his/her creativity and knowledge, enhance personal relationships, ability to adapt, and become enriched with appreciation, compassion and humility.
0894-1130/$ e see front matter Ó 2014 Hanley & Belfus, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2013.08.022
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Journal of Hand Therapy journal homepage: www.jhandtherapy.org
Clinical Commentary
Clinical Commentary in Response to “A physician’s perspective on volunteering overseas. It’s not all about sharing the latest technology” Lynn Bassini MA, OTR, CHT * Board Member and Founder, Guatemala Healing Hands Foundation, Brooklyn, NY, USA
I was hoping to identify throughout the manuscript a long list of critical components that I believe are key to a successful volunteer experience. After being involved in a variety of “missions” over the last 15 years I have experienced the culmination of a mission with successful outcomes, the disappointment of an aborted experience and the ultimate failure, with loss of life. Furthermore, being born into a different culture and brought up in a third world country, has allowed me to personally experience the impact of international aid. As I read this paper, I gradually crossed off my list every one of the components. Each point was not only addressed in perfect detail but it came to life with real examples, words to be used and an explanation of why such approach is best. The paper clearly reflects an extremely talented surgeon with vast international experience, cultural and human sensitivity, and deeply principled. “Above all, do no harm,” is further challenged by serving internationally. The medical volunteer faces different circumstances and many unfamiliar factors as they attempt to help and not harm. I believe this paper should be required reading for all those who are considering or venturing into a “medical mission.” The author’s message is clear; this type of journey is best tackled by being well prepared and with the benefit of the experience of others. One must not attempt to “reinvent the wheel” but to build on the knowledge of those who have been there before. Failure to learn from others can potentially set up a disastrous situation. A patient may develop complications, unmet expectations from patients and family, a local medical provider may become angered or threatened, and the volunteer may never be invited back, the authorities may question their presence or confiscate supplies, just to name a few of the possible things that may go wrong. The author touches upon every step involved in humanitarian work, from the concerns about ones personal ability, to the challenges of culture and logistics with serving abroad. He describes in detail the attributes of a successful volunteer, so as to help the reader think through his/her personality to make sure this type of experience is right for them. The manuscript is written in such a personal and down to earth manner, that it feels as if the author is sitting down with us over
* Corresponding author. E-mail address: [email protected].
a cup of coffee and sharing the many pearls wisely earned throughout many years, and never once sounding preachy! Credit is also given to others who contributed to the information presented. The author highlights the importance of clarity throughout the entire process of volunteering. Understanding and communicating expectations between the host and volunteer are fundamental and necessary. The host may expect the surgeon to operate and the therapist to fabricate orthotics. However the surgeon and therapist may feel that a non-surgical option, education and team approach may be the best way to tackle a particular situation and only opt for surgery and orthotics when the risk and follow up have been carefully evaluated. Furthermore, the volunteer must also understand and respect local conditions and traditional techniques. I particularly appreciated the author identifying “the stiff hand as a major issue confronted in underserved countries.” I also consider this a major problem and a perfect opportunity to provide valuable information about causes, prevention, anatomy, problem solving, and possibly even orthotics and surgical procedures! The importance of carefully observing and thinking through every move is highlighted. The volunteer may be faced with those who welcome the help and those who may be threatened. The awareness and sensitivity of all those involved must be at the forefront. Communicating with respect, clarity, appropriate facts, basic principles and humbleness will allow for a more open and comfortable dialog. The level of skill and education of surgeons and therapists may be different, as is the relationship between the surgeon and the therapist. The volunteer must step back and understand the dynamics of these relationships in each particular setting and proceed with great tact. I congratulate the author for the work he has done throughout the world. I truly believe he has been not only a medical provider and educator but also a messenger of peace and good will. He leads by example and exemplifies the definition of “humanitarian.” The amount of information in this skillfully written article is vast and valuable. As the author states, “it’s not all about sharing the latest technology” but rather, he gives us an amazing legacy of human factors involved in the process of preparing for and volunteering overseas. It is clear that although volunteering oversees must be done with “eyes wide awake,” it provides the volunteer an opportunity to further his/her creativity and knowledge, enhance personal relationships, ability to adapt, and become enriched with appreciation, compassion and humility.
0894-1130/$ e see front matter Ó 2014 Hanley & Belfus, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2013.08.022
