Near the end of 2019 the Clubfoot Clinic at the Hospital Nacional de San Marcos- The first Orthopedic Resident run Clubfoot Clinic- celebrated its official opening in December with a special educational dinner attended by 28 medical professionals, followed the next day by a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Clinic in HNSM. Special Guest presenter was Dra. Ana Zambrano, President of Ponseti International Association Guatemala who discussed Treatment of Clubfoot while Orthopedic resident and Clinic head Dra Astrid Mendoza presented statistics about the Clinic” first year of operation where 17 patients were seen.  The next day the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the Clinic, attended by Dr Zambrano, several current patients, Hospital staff and residents led by Dr. Alfredo Longo, OSSA leaders, and news media.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With 2020 and the Pandemic came many logistical challenges to the families and physicians treating Clubfoot in Guatemala. Isolation, quaratines, restrictions on travel have made it difficult to maintain a regular schedule for many patients.OSSA continued to sponsor both Clubfoot lectures, the Residents-run Clubfoot Clinic and many independent physicians by working with Clubfoot Solutions to maintain a supply of Iowa Braces for Guatemala and arranging contact with our nationwide physician network. This network is growing and OSSA will continue to support this valuable care and education especially as Guatemala gets emerges from the pandemic.

And now, Clubfoot Solutions has just chosen OSSA to be their 2021 recipient of their Braces For Hope Campaign. They will set a goal of raising $10,000 for 400 braces by the end of this year. OSSA is very excited to be recognized by such a respected international organization as Clubfoot Solutions. This will make it easier for those patients and families with limited resources to obtain braces for this ongoing treatment; a treatment plan that reduces the need for surgery and improves the daily lifestyles and confidence of such young patients   We know this goal can be reached with everyone’s support.