November 2-8, Kathmandu, Nepal:
On invitation from the Medical Director (Dr. Saju Pradhan) of Nepal Orthopedic Hospital (www.noh.org.np) in Kathmandu, Nepal, the Healing the Children Oregon and Western Washington chapter (www.htcoregonwashington.org) sent a Foot Surgery Team for the fourth year in a row. This team of 17 volunteers . . . read more

October 29 - November 4,
Nepal Orthopedic Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal :
Led by Stephen Miller DPM, Healing the Children.

Podiatry Institute members:
Tom Chang, DPM
Jay Ryan, DPM

Do you ever wonder what happens long-term after completion of a Rotary World Community Service project? Is it still working; is it self-sufficient; how many people are being helped? One such project is the Nepal Orthopedic Hospital (NOH) in Kathamandu, Nepal with which Rotary District 5050 and faculty from the Podiatry Institute . . .read more

May 1-8, Zacatecoluca, El Salvador:
Led by Todd Gunzy DPM

Podiatry Institute members:
Luke Cicchinelli, DPM
Todd Haddon, DPM
Todd Gunzy, DPM
Donald Powell, DPM

Having taken an 18 month hiatus, the 25 member team titled "Small Steps" arrived in San Salvador on May 1st. The mayor of Zacatecoluca donated a full length service bus for transportation of the team from hotel to hospital each day. The following day was set aside to . . . read more

September 20-27, Kathmandu, Nepal:
A team of 18 members led by Steve Miller, DPM
After much planning and communication with the help of various Rotarians, 13 medical personnel and 5 Rotarians committed to sacrificing precious time from their busy work schedules to help the poor and needy people of Nepal. They were responding to an invitation from . . . read more

September 6-13, Zacatecoluca, El Salvador:
Led by Todd Gunzy DPM and Luke Cicchinelli DPM (founded 1992).
This particular team of 24 total personnel completed its 17th year of annual medical missions, although hampered by Hurricane Ike for some members of the team on their return home to the States through Houston, the mission was a complete success. Approximately 150 children were triaged and screened the day after the teams arrival on September 7, 2008. The four day surgery work week allowed 28 of the neediest children operations for severe foot, leg and ankle deformities. Follow-up is fostered by local orthopedists who have work closely with members of the team the past six years.

Podiatry Institute members who continue to provide selfless dedication to the mission include Luke Cicchinelli, Todd Haddon, and Enno Keller. A special appreciation of thanks to Jorge Penagos and Anna Weber for timeless dedication to the team. Continued integration of Doctors from Spain, Australia, Guatemala, and Germany, with this particular team adds further insight, experiences, and clinical knowledge. The next future mission will most likely incorporate a visiting surgeon from Saudi Arabia thanks to Dr. Cicchinelli's affiliation with the medical personnel of that country.

The main backbone of support continues to be the Healing the Children Chapter of Greater Philadelphia, Cuscutlan Rotary, and The Podiatry Institute. This represents a sixth consecutive annual visit to El Salvador. The team would like to thank all sponsors and participants for their assistance with past and present missions.

Due to world economical issues, the next medical mission for this team is scheduled for May 1 - 8, 2010.

May 5-12, Zacatecoluca, El Salvador: Led by Todd Gunzy, DPM
The team, headed by Todd Gunzy, Luke Cicchinelli, and Todd Haddon, will screen 150 - 200 children on Sunday, May 6. Approximately forty of the most severe cases will be selected for surgery during the Monday through Friday work week. They will be working closely with the local Rotary Club, Cuscutlan and local orthopedic surgeons. Healing the Children, Greater Philadelphia Chapter will again be coordinating all the travel, logistics and accomodations. The Podiatry Institute will aid in the financial backing of the mission along with representation of the faculty. This will be the team's 5th consecutive mission to
El Salvador and its 16th mission overall since 1992.

March 22-31, Hanoi, Viet Nam: A team of 25 members led by Steve Miller, DPM

History of Medical Mission Trips

Fall 2003 Trip to Guatemala

2004 Mission Trip to Guatemala

2004 Mission Trip to El Salvador

2005 Mission Trip to Vietnam

2006 Mission trip to El Salvador

2007 Mission trip to Hanoi

Please help with a monetary, surgical instruments or disposable surgical supplies donation. 100% of the donations go to the Medical Missions program.

Click here for the Medical Missions Donation Form

Your support is greatly appreciated!

In countries where medical resources are scarce and walking is an important mode of transportation, foot and ankle problems can be devastating. Accidents, diabetes, infections and birth defects such as clubfoot can seriously restrict the ability to function. Unfortunately, these countries are usually severely lacking in health care resources. They rarely have access to the expertise of podiatric surgeons who are specifically trained in the care and treatment of the lower extremity.

By working through other non-profit organizations, The Podiatry Institute is organizing and supporting efforts which provide medical and surgical treatment to these individuals. Volunteer medical teams travel to countries in need, and provide medical assistance to the children, free of charge.

You can provide financial assistance through donations. Funds must be raised to offset travel and on-site expenses for the volunteer surgical team. All funds received will be used only for medical missions. Every dollar will be used directly to defray the expenses of our volunteer missions. No administrative fees will be deducted. You can donate surgical instruments and disposable surgical supplies. Please call us toll-free at 888-833-5682 or use the on-line form below for more information.