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Medical College of Wisconsin Orthopaedic Surgery Global Opportunities

Global Health

As part of MCW’s orthopaedic surgical training program, fifth year residents have the opportunity to participate in an international externship with Milwaukee Orthopaedics Overseas (MOO).

The goals for this experience are to foster a spirit of volunteerism, enhance surgical skills and decision-making, provide exposure to third world disorders, further cultural sensitivity, and strengthen teaching skills. This experience gives residents the opportunity to develop an understanding of the affects of health-care resource use; impacts the residents’ outlook and attitude toward the delivery of health care and allows for professional development.

Global Health Operating Room

Milwaukee Orthopaedic Overseas

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About MOO
MOO consists of attending physicians from MCW and the University of Utah as well as nurses, physical therapists and translators. The MOO “brigada” works closely with Los Pipitos, a non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the lives of Nicaraguan children with disabilities. Each year the team travels to several cities in Nicaragua in November to hold clinic and identify surgical candidates from within the Los Pipitos organization. The team returns in April for 1-week to perform over 40 surgeries ranging from malunions to pelvic osteotomies.

Recently, the program has expanded to include a resident exchange program as well an expansion in the surgical program. Residents from the Louis Fonseca Hospital in Managua travel to Milwaukee for 2-months to learn a variety of techniques and MCW residents have he opportunity to travel to Managua for 1-2 months to experience Orthopaedics in a developing country. In addition, Dr. Schwab has recently expanded the surgical program to include surgical cases at both Fonseca Hospital and the Pediatric Hospital in Managua.
Mission
Reduce local and global health inequities through multi-national collaborative partnerships in education, research, clinical public and community health.

Vision
Train the next generation of health leaders and address local and global health inequities across neighborhoods and nations.
Mohammad Zalzaleh, DO in Ethiopia

My Reflection: A Fellow's Experience on Ethiopian Global Health Elective

Mohammad Zalzaleh, DO, a Hand and Upper Extremity Fellow in Orthopaedic Surgery, reflects on his global health elective to Ethiopia in February 2025.

Read Mohammad's story

Learn About Our Past Trips

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Ethiopia February 2024

Ian Ridge, MD, a Hand and Upper Extremity Fellow in Orthopaedic Surgery, reflects on his global health elective to Ethiopia in February 2024.

Read Ian's story

Nicaragua October 2023

Dustin Richter, MD, PGY-V resident in Orthopaedic Surgery, reflects on his global health rotation to Nicaragua in October 2023.

Read Dustin's story

Nicaragua November 2022
In November of 2022, PGY-V Residents Dr. Erik Van Eperen and Dr. Adam Hadro went to Nicaragua for their Global Health Rotation. 

Learn more about the 2022 Nicaragua Trip (PDF)

Nicaragua November 2019
In November 2019, Residents John deVries and Jake Bauwens joined Drs. Edward Nelsen-Freund, Jeffrey Schwab, Tony LoGiudice, and Scott Van Valin, for a mission trip to Nicaragua. They were also accompanied by Jacelyn Ahrens ST, Mary Bestor RN, Linda Kliebhan PT, and Cynthia Marra LAT. While there, they spent time with Dr. Pablo Correa, who has previously come to MCW for a Residency Exchange, as well as an International Fellowship. Dr. Correa invited the group to his new hospital, Velez Paiz, where they instructed residents and attendings on surgeries such as total hip and knee replacements and shoulder arthroscopy. 

Learn more about the 2019 Nicaragua Trip (PDF)

Global Health Rotation Testimonials

Dustin Richter, MD

“This global engagement not only shaped my character and improved my medical competence but also greatly enhanced my ability to care for a diverse patient population.”

Dustin Richter, MD, Class of 2024

Nicaragua 2024

Ian Ridge, MD

“The Ethiopia-based elective was a profound and rewarding experience that reaffirmed my commitment to service and education.”

Ian Ridge, MD, HUE Fellowship Class of 2024

Ethiopia 2024

Saurabh Mehta, MD

“Our Nicaraguan surgical colleagues work hard to expand their skill set and I believe our MCW department’s continued engagement in global health intra-continental relationships will advance and achieve the goal of building the capacity of safe surgery worldwide.”

Saurabh Mehta, MD, Class of 2024

Nicaragua 2024

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