Operation Walk is a volunteer medical organization that provides “the gift of mobility” through joint replacement surgeries at no cost for patients in the U.S. and globally. It was founded in 1996 by orthopedic surgeon Lawrence Dorr, MD.
Volunteers spend time, at an estimated value of $500,000, while the organization receives implants, surgical materials, medications and recovery donations from American companies valued at about $1 million annually.
Through their partnership, Advent and Rothman operated on patient Jean McMichael, whose hip had become so painful that she could no longer go to the grocery store, according to a Feb. 10 press release.
“I think Operation Walk USA’s mission is a natural fit with Rothman Orthopaedics’ world class orthopedic care and AdventHealth’s mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ through community based, whole person care,” A.J. Clair, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Rothman Orthopaedics at AdventHealth, said in the release.
Dr. Clair led the team that provided Ms. McMichael with her new hip.
Other major health systems, including Long Branch, N.J.-based Monmouth Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, and Seaview Orthopaedics, a partner practice of RWJBarnabas Health, have also participated in the program in the last year.
