From Classroom to Clinic: Alexanderia Poole’s ROMP Experience in Guatemala and a Powerful Reminder of Why We Choose O&P

Earlier this year, Alexandria Poole, CPO, joined her students from Kennesaw State University on a volunteer trip with the Проект "Діапазон руху" (ROMP) to Guatemala. As the Senior Laboratory Coordinator for Kennesaw State University’s Masters of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics, Alexandria saw this as an opportunity to both guide her students and get back into the hands-on clinical work she loves.

What started as a chance to chaperone quickly became a powerful reminder of why she chose this field in the first place.

A Week of Intensive Care

The clinic in Guatemala was bustling, with a large number of above-knee amputees being evaluated for microprocessor knees. Alexandria’s team also worked with a variety of other patients, including those with upper limb and below-knee amputations. One of her highlights was watching her students work together to complete bilateral below-knee prostheses from evaluation to final fitting—an experience most students rarely get before residency.

She encountered unforgettable patients, like one man who had carved his own wooden prosthesis from a tree and used a tire for the foot. “His craftsmanship was incredible,” Alexandria said. “It was a powerful reminder that with the right tools, people can do amazing things.”

Where Adjustability Fits In

While her ROMP trip did not involve installing Натисніть "Медицина adjustability systems, Alexandria saw clear opportunities for it to make a difference—especially for new amputees who may not return for frequent follow-ups.

“In the U.S., a new amputee might get a new socket within six months as their limb changes. But for ROMP patients, it might be years before they’re seen again,” Alexandria explained. “With adjustable prosthetics, you can fine-tune fit over time—keeping suspension secure and comfort high, without replacing the socket.”

For patients in remote areas, this could mean walking confidently for much longer before needing a full replacement—improving both their mobility and quality of life.

Looking Ahead

Alexandria says she would “absolutely” go on another ROMP trip: “It’s an incredible blend of teaching, learning, and helping. And the gratitude from patients is unforgettable.”

She also encourages other faculty and clinicians to get involved—both by volunteering and donating unused prosthetic components to ROMP’s mission.

ROMP’s Mission is to ensure access to high-quality prosthetic care for underserved people, improving their mobility and independence.

“Trips like this remind you why you got into the profession in the first place,” Alex said. “It’s about helping people move, live, and thrive.”