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Organized Session

Innovating with Purpose: Sustainable and Evolving Models of Global O&P Care

Thursday, February 19, 2026
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CDT
Room: Volunteer Breakout 2

This session provides a candid and practical exploration of global prosthetic outreach, showcasing two distinct organizational approaches to care delivery in underserved international contexts. Panelists will share how hands-on experiences, cultural partnerships, and fabrication innovation have shaped their evolving models of care. One perspective will focus on sustainability through non-traditional fabrication techniques, leveraging locally available materials and simplified processes to meet patient needs in resource-limited environments. This model demonstrates adaptability and emphasizes clinical problem-solving where standard tooling and fabrication access are unavailable. The other perspective highlights technological advancement in pediatric care, with a focus on integrating additive manufacturing into international outreach. These methods aim to improve outcomes, reduce labor, and streamline fabrication in international clinical settings.

Through real-world case studies and reflection on both successes and setbacks, participants will gain insight into:
• Adjusting clinical standards to match local resources
• Ethical and sustainable engagement in short-term global health work
• Applying new technologies like 3D printing in field settings
• Building respectful, collaborative relationships with local providers

This session will resonate with clinicians, educators, and residents who are interested in humanitarian work, international outreach, and patient-centered innovation.

Learning Objectives:

  • Upon completion, participants will be able to compare and differentiate at least two sustainable models of global prosthetic outreach, including approaches that rely on locally sourced materials versus those that integrate additive manufacturing.
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to identify ethical considerations and best practices for engaging in short-term global health outreach, with a focus on sustainability, cultural partnership, and patient-centered care.
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to analyze real-world case examples to determine how clinical standards and fabrication practices must be adapted in low-resource environments.