Through Steps2Walk’s network of more than 125 orthopedic surgeons, the program will ultimately translate into helping thousands of people across the globe
Feb. 12, 2024 (DENVER) Steps2Walk, a global humanitarian organization, today announced the launch of the Step2Walk Global Institute. Under the Institute, Steps2Walk will deliver ongoing and sustainable educational initiatives in underserved regions around the world where the need for quality foot and ankle care is the greatest and resources are few.
The Global Institute will involve a number of educational programs and components, including:
- Local surgeon training during program missions
- A telemedicine initiative that will involve mentee and mentor surgeons
- Pediatric foot and ankle advancement
- Educational program to prepare surgeon volunteers for missions
- Resident/fellow program
- Cadaveric training
- A medical advisory board
“Steps2Walk has always prioritized surgeon education during our missions to provide care to patients with severe foot and ankle deformities,” said Tom Ferro, CEO of Steps2Walk. “Now, we are expanding our educational initiatives and providing even more opportunities for both our volunteers and surgeons outside our network to take part in our mission to give the ‘gift of walking’ to thousands who need our help.”
Founded by world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Myerson in 2000, the organization envisions a future where orthopedic foot and ankle care is available to everyone in every region of the world. Unfortunately, many countries where the nonprofit visits don’t have the resources, including their own orthopedic surgeons who specialize in foot and ankle care, to deliver quality training and education to the next generation of surgical residents.
Outside of Steps2Walk, Myerson directs a lab through the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where he has worked and mentored students for XX years. While delivering humanitarian aid through surgery is a passion of his, teaching is a close second.
“The types of deformities and traumatic injuries we treat during our missions are not commonly seen in the Western world, yet we have a unique perspective and understanding of the needs in those regions,” said Myerson. “We have a responsibility, and through our network of more than 125 volunteer surgeons, the means, to share our expertise with surgeons worldwide.”
For more information on how to become a volunteer faculty member or trainee participant in one of Steps2Walk’s programs, visit https://steps2walk.org/faculty/. To learn more about the organization’s upcoming 2024 programs, visit https://steps2walk.org/programs/.
Steps2Walk also accepts donations, which can give the “gift of walking” to those who need it most and help fund critical training and education for regional orthopedic surgeons.