Abstract
The proposed independent study was in conjunction with the biomedical engineering students on the Mercer on Mission team at Mercer University. The course had two settings. The clinical training and manufacturing of prostheses took place in a class and laboratory setting in the biomedical engineering department at Mercer University. A portion of the class was dedicated to learning basic Vietnamese to help overcome language barriers. The application of said training took place in various clinics in poor and rural areas of Vietnam, specifically Vinh Long Middle School, Dong Thap Community Medical Clinic, Dat Do County Community Medical Clinic, and Long Dien Community Medical Clinic. The purpose of this program was to provide medical aid to poor communities in Vietnam. A large portion of the program focused on manufacturing and fitting cost-efficient prosthetics and orthotics for individuals with deformities and those with above- and below-knee amputations. The other part of this program focused more on the medical side of the mission. Students learned to diagnose various musculoskeletal conditions that plague malnourished and overworked manual laborers, learned about and prescribed physical therapy to treat patients’ conditions and alleviate symptoms, and administered vitamins to malnourished patients via intramuscular injections. Students also operated the check-in station and learn to perform interviews for patients’ medical histories.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. James Munoz
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-12-2013 1:00 PM
End Date
4-12-2013 5:30 PM
Biomechanics, Design, and Fitting of Prosthetics and Orthotics
Alvin Sherman Library
The proposed independent study was in conjunction with the biomedical engineering students on the Mercer on Mission team at Mercer University. The course had two settings. The clinical training and manufacturing of prostheses took place in a class and laboratory setting in the biomedical engineering department at Mercer University. A portion of the class was dedicated to learning basic Vietnamese to help overcome language barriers. The application of said training took place in various clinics in poor and rural areas of Vietnam, specifically Vinh Long Middle School, Dong Thap Community Medical Clinic, Dat Do County Community Medical Clinic, and Long Dien Community Medical Clinic. The purpose of this program was to provide medical aid to poor communities in Vietnam. A large portion of the program focused on manufacturing and fitting cost-efficient prosthetics and orthotics for individuals with deformities and those with above- and below-knee amputations. The other part of this program focused more on the medical side of the mission. Students learned to diagnose various musculoskeletal conditions that plague malnourished and overworked manual laborers, learned about and prescribed physical therapy to treat patients’ conditions and alleviate symptoms, and administered vitamins to malnourished patients via intramuscular injections. Students also operated the check-in station and learn to perform interviews for patients’ medical histories.
