Local orthopedic practice joins other West Michigan organizations in helping survivors of the earthquake.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – January 21, 2010 – Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan (OAM) is coordinating a medical mission to provide desperately needed surgical assistance, medicines and supplies.
Two OAM trauma surgeons, James R. Ringler, MD and David J. Bielema, MD, flew from Grand Rapids to Port-au-Prince Thursday morning on a private jet sponsored by Amway. They joined their colleague Gregory J. Golladay, MD, who arrived Monday in the capital city and is currently performing 50-60 procedures a day.
Dr. Mark S. Asperheim of Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan is working closely with Partners in Health (PIH) to coordinate efforts in Haiti. PIH has been providing vital health care services in Haiti for more than 20 years.
“Everybody has stepped up,” says Dr. William W. Schwab, a specialist at OAM in sports medicine as well as managing partner of the practice. “Our staff is supporting those in transit to Haiti by covering patient cases and surgeries. And patients are rallying around those serving on the ground: they’re happy to reschedule surgeries, see a different physician or lend a word of encouragement for those about to leave. Patients are even calling in to donate cash toward medical supplies. I’m really proud to be part of such a great community.”
Joining OAM in its humanitarian mission is Anesthesia Medical Consultants (AMC) and Spectrum Health. AMC is providing anesthesiologists while Spectrum has committed to sending supplies. In addition, Amway has offered their corporate jet for multiple missions while companies like Lack Enterprises and its employees have contributed funds toward medical supplies. Others corporations are considering ways to partner with OAM in their sustained efforts.
“Our overriding goal is to have a coordinated, persistent response,” says Dr. Asperheim. “Our hope is that working with an experienced group like PIH will lead to a greater ability to deliver care and needed resources over the long term. We also feel that connecting the people of West Michigan to identifiable voices on the ground will only increase community support for the victims and lead to ongoing contributions of service and financial support.”
PIH’s medical director estimates that 20,000 people are dying each day who could be saved by surgery, and warns that the death toll and the incidence of gangrene and other deadly infections will continue to rise unless a massive effort is made to open and staff more operating rooms and to deliver essential equipment and supplies.
