From the beginning our primary focus has been education. We believe that the true measure of our success is what happens after a mission has been completed. Our motto is the old proverb: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Our team has focused not only on one-on-one teaching, but on organized, group education as well, establishing the first orthopedic teaching conferences for doctors and nurses at the children’s hospital. Given our success at the children’s hospital in Santiago, we are encouraged to continue our efforts at this facility and build upon the educational foundations we have already established.

Continuing education is most effective when delivered in a variety of settings and this is why POP’s educational programs go beyond the classroom and into the OR and the rest of the hospital. During each mission trip, POP volunteer surgeons and medical staff partner together with local surgeons and medical staff at each surgery. This partnership enables deeper learning and greater success.

In 2021 we launched our first seminar for pediatric orthopedic nurses and it was a huge success. Local doctors, nurses and therapists gave didactic lectures in person while Dr. Madelyn Stazzone gave lectures virtually from Indianapolis. After 15 hours of training, participants were evaluated by final written exam as well as simulated patient labs. All participants received a certificate of completion.

In 2022 we gave a second seminar on proper sterilization techniques. A total of 33 participants received 20 hours of instruction virtually, from Indianapolis by sterilization technologist, Rocio Riquelme. Rocio then travelled to Santiago with colleague, James Hunter and together completed the hands on training. All participants were evaluated by a final exam and received certificates of completion. The seminar was such a success that we will be following it with a full 6 week course starting in May!