Arthroscopy Worldwide
Arthroscopy Worldwide is a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Steven Meier in 2003. The purpose of Arthroscopy Worldwide is to encourage the usage of and disseminate the proper techniques for advanced-level arthroscopic surgery throughout the world, especially in developing regions of South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Dr. Meier, and an ever-changing group of volunteer surgeons and practitioners (including his brother, Jeffrey Meier, DO), donate their time and experience to Arthroscopy Worldwide by regularly traveling the globe in order to bring state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical techniques to emerging societies. This is accomplished not only by performing surgery in these areas but also by sharing the latest surgical practices with local surgeons so they are not only exposed to these techniques, but are able to safely continue to perform these advanced procedures after the Arthroscopy Worldwide team has departed.
Spreading Health Across the World
Dr. Meier makes arrangements for his group to train interested physicians at their local hospitals, so long as there is provision for the basic infrastructure required in order to carry out these procedures. Companies like DePuy Mitek and Arthrotek help make this all possible by donating and providing for much-needed surgical implants, instruments, equipment, monitors and arthroscopes as well as arthroscopic fluid management systems, which are critical to the process. Because arthroscopic surgery depends on both equipment as well as technique, it is very important that, in order to continue arthroscopic surgery in that area for the benefit of their patients, the hospitals commit to obtaining and maintaining the necessary equipment.
On rare occasions, however, Dr. Meier and his team have had to make do without some equipment. During one trip to Egypt, there were simply no fluid pumps available for their use. Instead of losing the opportunity to teach, however, the team had to become creative in order to accomplish their tasks. Thanks to some well-executed improvisation, the operating room staffers took turns irrigating the procedure manually – holding and squeezing fluid bags during a two-hour procedure. Whatever the obstacles to imparting knowledge and implementing the use of these less invasive techniques, Arthroscopy Worldwide makes sure they are overcome.
In addition to teaching his innovative methods, Dr. Meier also trains surgeons to prepare for a regular load of advanced arthroscopy procedures. He even helps surgical programs prioritize which essential equipment to purchase first. Arthroscopy Worldwide also offers translation services (for instruction manuals) from another regular volunteer, Francesca Mercado, a surgical technician from New Jersey, who is multilingual.
Benefits of Volunteering with Arthroscopy Worldwide
Teaching knee and shoulder arthroscopy in developing parts of the world and coordinating everything needed to conduct that kind of training is a challenge that Steven W. Meier, M.D. enjoys. He has proved to be an excellent instructor, and the delight he experiences in helping others learn new arthroscopic techniques and improve upon their current surgical skills is very clear while watching him work.
Dr. Meier most definitely likes to keep busy, both with Arthroscopy Worldwide, and in general. “In this field it’s really important to be progressive and keep up to date,” he asserts. “If I just stayed at home all the time, I don’t know how I’d do it. Traveling introduces you to new and different concepts, stimulates original thought, and gives perspective outside of your routine sphere.”
“It’s a great experience and it is very enlightening for anyone in medicine to do. You practice better medicine, as a result, once you return home.”
To find out how you can help, contact us today at (310) 777-7845.
Next, read about Dr. Meier’s involvement in the community.
