Why You Should Apply to Operation Walk Pittsburgh
The mission of Operation Walk Pittsburgh is to have a positive impact on our patients by giving them life-changing joint replacement surgeries and care that is normally out of their reach. But the impact doesn’t end there. Our travel team members often remark that they leave Guatemala feeling deeply impacted, bringing home lifelong memories, new friends and feelings of being a part of something bigger than they are.
Read below to learn the top reasons why you should consider applying to Operation Walk Pittsburgh’s 2022 travel team.
Interact with patients and have a direct impact
Our mission trips allow everyone on the team, from the surgeons to the humanitarian volunteers, to interact directly with patients. Though there may be a language barrier, smiles and laughter are experienced universally. And thanks to our translators, everyone can communicate with patients and hear firsthand what it means for them to receive a surgery like this. It’s an all hands on deck, direct-care approach that fosters personal connection. Travel team members often say that our model allows them to get back to the very basics of healthcare and human connection. They say being on the travel team helps them remember why they chose careers in healthcare in the first place and come home feeling energized.
Get a full understanding of how joint replacement surgery and recovery works
For many travel team members, Operation Walk Pittsburgh is their first introduction into the world of orthopaedics and healthcare. The trip is an opportunity to witness a complete patient care experience from initial evaluation, to pre op, surgery, and finally rehabilitation and discharge. For those considering entering the healthcare field, this trip is a great opportunity to participate in the process and learn why asking patients what matters to them is important. Many team members have come home motivated to apply to medical, physical therapy or nursing school.
Experience a new culture
Over the past twelve years, Operation Walk Pittsburgh has visited amazing destinations, with Antigua, Guatemala, being our most visited. Antigua is a culturally rich city with bright, colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. At every corner you can find authentic textile stores and restaurants with exciting and delicious cuisine. Our mission trips allow plenty of free time to give team members the chance to explore and immerse themselves in local culture, history, cuisine, and traditions. Team members always remark on the wonders of the host country and the friendliness of the local people they interact with.
Meet and work with people from all over Pittsburgh, the country, and the world.
Operation Walk Pittsburgh recruits many team members from the Pittsburgh area, but also from around the country and even Canada! We have had team members from North Dakota, California, North Carolina, New York, and well beyond, not to mention the incredible staff at Obras Sociales, our host hospital in Antigua. Each team member and Obras staff member is an asset to the trip, bringing experience, expertise, and perspective. What’s more, returning team members and Obras staff serve as impromptu guides for the best things to do and see in Antigua.
There are even more reasons to be a part of Operation Walk Pittsburgh. But there’s only one way to find out. Consider becoming a part of Mission 2022 as a member of Operation Walk Pittsburgh’s travel team. Learn more about the mission and how to apply by clicking here. Travel team applications will be accepted until March 17th.
