This October, a specialized team from the Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery, led by Dr. Jim Patterson, embarked on their fourth mission to Medellín, Colombia, with one powerful goal: to help people walk again. Fueled by compassion and expertise, the team collaborated to perform free joint replacement surgeries for Colombian citizens. This remarkable effort not only transformed the lives of individual patients but also restored hope for their families and entire communities.
A Collaborative Mission of Care
Under the guidance of Operation Walk International, Dr. Patterson partnered with Dr. Bertrand Kaper of Scottsdale, Arizona, to conduct 30 life-changing joint replacement surgeries. The mission began with a meticulous screening process on the first day, ensuring the most suitable candidates were selected. Over the next three days, the team performed hip and knee replacement surgeries for patients suffering from debilitating osteoarthritis.
These individuals had endured years of pain and immobility, often unable to walk or work. Post-surgery, the transformation was extraordinary—many patients took their first steps toward recovery immediately and even walked home from the hospital.
Thanks to the dedication of skilled volunteers and generous donations, these surgeries were performed at no cost to the patients, offering a new lease on life to those who had no other means of accessing this level of care.
A Legacy of Service
Dr. Patterson has been involved in similar medical missions since 2007, when he first met Dr. Kaper in Antigua, Guatemala. Over the years, their shared commitment has taken them to Cuenca, Ecuador, Guatemala, and now Medellín, Colombia. Medellín proved to be more than just a location for these surgeries—it became a hub for education and collaboration.
In addition to performing surgeries, the team worked to enhance the capabilities of local healthcare providers. By teaching advanced techniques and introducing efficiencies used in the United States, they left a lasting impact on the Colombian healthcare system. This approach empowers local professionals to continue delivering high-quality care long after the mission ends.
Gratitude to a Dedicated Team
This mission would not have been possible without the dedication and support of the Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery(IOS). Allowing key staff members to take time away for a week-long mission was no small feat, and the contribution of IOS is deeply appreciated.
They also appreciate the continued support from Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics for donating the hip and knee implants used on the mission trips as well as the instrument sets to implant the joint replacements. The missions could not have taken place without their generosity.
These mission trips would not be possible without the continued support from key benefactors including Beth Warnecke and Jennifer Patterson whose support over the last 17 years has been vital to the missions.
The team members who made this 2024 Mission a success include:
- Jim Patterson– Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Jared Rigali– Physician Assistant
- Steve Briggs– Smith & Nephew Representative
- Ryan Hoffman– Physical Therapist
- Chase Marshall– Operating Room Scrub Nurse
- Andy Sciranka– Operating Room Coordinator
- Hayley Siebeneck– Overnight Care Unit Nurse
- Heather Vogt– Operating Room Circulating Nurse
Join the Mission
A heartfelt thank you goes out to this talented team for their selflessness and dedication. To learn more about Operation Walk International and its inspiring missions, visit opwalkinternational.org. For updates on future missions, follow @OperationWalkTeamOhio.
As John Wooden once said:
“You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”
This team exemplifies this philosophy, bringing mobility—and life—back to those who need it most.
