14 Jan Update from India

Operation Footprint conducted its most recent surgical brigade in Agra on September 26-30, 2023. Before the surgical session, we evaluated our patients from previous years and are happy to share that they are all doing well without complications. Reports of them being able to go to school and work, free of the stigma of being “different”, were shared. Their ability to wear shoes and function in their community has transformed their lives and families, whose smiles reminded us of our purpose in their country and why we became physicians. Our patients and their families have become our most prominent advocates for others needing help.

Thirty-three patients (35 feet) have undergone surgery at our Agra location in the past two years. We are happy to report that all are progressing well. In addition, Operation Footprint faculty members lectures annually at the Agra Orthopedic Society meetings. We collaborate with local orthopedic surgeons to establish a sustained partnership for the future. The exchange of surgical concepts and ideas has created a bond between the two groups.

We sincerely thank the Center for Trauma and Joint Replacement owners and staff for their ongoing dedication to Operation Footprint over the past six years and look forward to future annual surgical brigades at their facility. For the Rotarians in our readership, the past two brigades benefitted from a global grant for additional instrumentation and equipment required to increase surgical capacity in the future. Thanks go to the Agra Taj Mahal Rotary Club, the Southern Pines Rotary Club, and supporting clubs in D7690, D3110, D5280, D7450, and D6380.

Prince, Pre-Op