Expanding Horizons: A Journey to Guatemala

Earlier this year, Click Medical awarded a scholarship to send one female O&P student or recent graduate on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to a Range of Motion Project (ROMP) Volunteer Clinic. This hands-on, week-long session brought together some of the best prosthetists and technicians, serving local amputees in need of prosthetic care through ROMP. 

The 2024 recipient of this scholarship was Ani Benge, a recent graduate of the University of Washington. Join Ani as she shares her experiences on the frontline of the fight for mobility for all.

“To me, mobility is an invaluable privilege and being able to adjust is a gift.”

Ani Benge, University of Washington, Class of 2024

When I chose to join the ROMP team in Guatemala City this past July, I was seeking an educational experience that would challenge me and help me grow as a clinician. After discussing my goals with the Click and ROMP teams, they recommended the July program in Guatemala, and I couldn’t be happier with that decision. Throughout the week, I learned about Click Medical’s RevoFit lamination from a highly experienced technician, Nick Gambill from FabCo Prosthetics, participated in run training with a phenomenal amputee specialist physical therapist, Cosi Belloso and gained valuable insights from Guatemalan clinicians who have been on the forefront of care in Guatemala City. It was everything I hoped for and more!

One of the most impactful aspects of the trip was the opportunity to work and learn alongside a group of clinicians from El Salvador. We spent five days together, and it was incredible to see how quickly we built a sense of camaraderie and community. These clinicians had traveled to Guatemala not just to assist with the clinic but also to learn about adjustable socket technologies from Click Medical. Despite the language barrier, we connected through our shared experiences and a mutual passion for prosthetic care. It was inspiring to hear about their backgrounds and individual interests, and I felt lucky to be part of such a supportive and enthusiastic group.

Clinically, I learned so much throughout the week. One experience in particular that stood out was working with individuals with transhumeral limb loss. In school, we studied transhumeral systems and prosthetic interventions, but we didn’t have the opportunity to cast or fabricate devices for patients at that level of limb loss. Seeing a project through from start to finish for two people who use these devices was an incredible learning experience. The intricacies of upper limb prosthetics are truly fascinating, and I was grateful for the chance to gain hands-on experience in this area.

Of course, there were challenges along the way, and for me, the biggest challenge was the language barrier. While I can understand Spanish at a basic level, communication without an interpreter was sometimes difficult. However, this challenge also turned into an opportunity. I worked closely with the interpreters to create a translation guide for prosthetic-related terminology, which was a rewarding experience that helped bridge the gap between English and Spanish. I hope this is a guide that the ROMP team can use for years to come.

This trip has also helped me develop skills that will be invaluable in my future practice. I learned how to collaborate with technicians and professionals from diverse backgrounds, and I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of communication and teamwork. I love learning from the people around me, and I’m eager to apply the skills I gained in Guatemala in my future work.

Working with Click Medical products, especially the RevoLock Lanyard V2 system, was another highlight of the trip. I had limited experience with this system, and seeing the lamination and fabrication process in action was incredibly valuable. Hearing patients’ stories about how adjustable systems like RevoFit and RevoLock can improve the fit and function of their devices was eye-opening, particularly for individuals who live in remote areas and may struggle with sock management. This experience has definitely inspired me to consider incorporating more of Click Medical’s kits in my future projects.

My trip to Guatemala with ROMP was a transformative experience that I would highly recommend to anyone in the prosthetics field. The knowledge, skills, and connections I gained are invaluable, and I’m excited to bring these lessons into my practice moving forward.