The International Extremity Project completed a recent humanitarian mission to Bhutan. The orthopedic and foot and ankle team joined fellow IEP volunteers, including the new dental team, to assess, treat, and improve health outcomes for underserved populations. On this mission, the lower extremity team focused on restoring function, relieving pain, and preserving dignity within a healthcare system guided by a philosophy unlike any other.
Bhutan has redefined progress through the concept of Gross National Happiness. Rather than measuring success solely through economic output, the Bhutanese government evaluates national well-being through sustainable development, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and good governance. This philosophy fosters a life rooted in Buddhist values, community cohesion, and balance with nature. Led by Dr. Bruce Lehnert, the lower extremity team included Dr. Meir Nyska, Dr. Ezequiel Palmanovich, and Dr. Melissa Lipari. Their collective experience allowed them to address a wide range of congenital, post-traumatic, and neglected deformities. Dr. Jannani Krishnan, a resident in foot and ankle surgery, played a vital role in patient assessment, operative care, and postoperative management, reflecting IEP’s commitment to education and the development of future humanitarian surgeons.
In parallel with the lower extremity mission, the IEP dental team, led by Dr. Richard Kao, addressed critical periodontal needs, reinforcing IEP’s holistic approach to patient care. The integration of dental and orthopedic services underscores the interconnectedness of mobility, nutrition, pain control, and overall health. Working side by side, the teams demonstrated that sustainable healthcare requires coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts that treat the whole patient rather than isolated conditions.
The work of the IEP teams in Bhutan reaffirmed a central IEP principle: Meaningful impact is achieved not only through surgery but through education, collaboration, and respect for local systems. Each restored limb represents renewed independence, dignity, and opportunity.
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