Local Prosthetics and Orthotics Specialist Returns from Philippines Medical Mission

Related Media

Michael Smith works with amputee Pamela in Manila, Philippines July 2010

NORFOLK, VA (08/17/2010)(readMedia)-- --

WHO: Michael Smith, C.P.O., owner American Orthotic & Prosthetic Center, Inc. in Chesapeake, VA

WHAT: To provide prosthetic and orthotic clinical services, training and education to technicians in the Philippines as part of the Physicians for Peace Walking Free

WHERE: Philippines General Hospital, Manila, the Philippines

WHEN: Mr. Smith returned from an 8 day mission on July 18, 2010

WHY: As a certified prosthetist/orthotist running his own business in Chesapeake and the father of 4 active boys, Michael Smith already had enough on his plate, but instead looked for an opportunity to give back. Michael's wife, Cindy, was born in the Philippines and Michael is from Jamaica, so they both know that the resources for people with disabilities outside of the US are sometimes scarce and often not available for the poor.

Michael learned about the Walking Free program at Physicians for Peace that provides training and supplies for amputee victims in developing countries, and he signed up to join a mission team from the US to train technicians at a new clinic in Manila back in 2006. Now, five years and about 8 missions later, Michael recently returned from his latest mission to the Philippines. He even brought his wife, Cindy, along this time. She was able to meet distant relatives from her home town and to see Michael spend hour after hour doing what he loves: working with amputees to ensure they are able to walk again.

During the July 2010 mission, Michael and his brother-in-law and prosthetist Dave saw close to 125 amputees in the main clinic at Philippines General Hospital in Manila and at two other locations and worked closely with each to measure and fit them with a prosthesis. These patients ranged in age from about 7 years to 70 years old, each with their own story of limb loss due to accident, birth defect, or illness (cancer and diabetes especially). Some patients were returning for adjustments or replacement parts and greeted Michael and Dave with warm hugs and smiles. Others were grinning from ear to ear with the news that they would receive a prosthesis after years of waiting. Kharisma Solomon, a 19 yr old nursing student who lost her right leg, hip and half her pelvis due to cancer, was in for a new high-tech knee. One man was told he would have to wait 3 weeks for the prosthesis to be made. He smiled and explained that he had lost his leg 16 years ago in a bus accident and had not been able to work since. The idea of being able to walk again for the first time in 16 years was well worth a few short weeks.

Since 2000, internationally recognized Physicians for Peace (PFP) has been providing amputee rehabilitation services in a number of countries through our Walking Free program. The Philippine program has made great strides since it began in 2006 under the leadership of Program Director Dr. Josephine Bundoc, providing over 1,200 amputees an opportunity to work, play and contribute to their communities. Mission team members worked in and provided training to staff at the main Walking Free amputee clinic at Philippine General Hospital in Manila and at a second clinic in Clark/Pampanga (2 hours outside Manila).

Michael is available to be interviewed and can be reached at cell: (757) 288-4283 or via email: aopcinc@gmail.com