Uniting Frontiers
By Rosie Jované, Orthotist/Prosthetist Lic. #2-1, Panama, Republic of Panama  "Uniting Frontiers" among the O&P
professionals in Central America was what initially motivated us to
organize a forum where an open dialogue among rehabilitation
professionals would allow us to evaluate the service level we offer
and find the formula to improve it.
The Forum, "Uniting Frontiers," was presented in Antigua,
Guatemala, last July, and the result changed all of us positively
in various ways.
A small group of people from this region in Central America
sparked the enthusiasm of many others and gained the participation
of state institutions and nonprofit organizations that offer
various rehabilitation programs. The enthusiasm also reached
special education teachers who prepare instructions and training
programs for people with special needs. Radio broadcasts from the
forum site allowed the general Guatemalan community to participate,
expressing their views about specialized rehabilitation services,
the similarity or disparity of service levels, accessibility, and
integration of patients with special capacities into society.
During the three-day conference, an open dialogue existed where
all participants had the opportunity to express their opinions. All
concluded that a change in attitude was necessary
in order to achieve better results in rehabilitation programs and
other services we offer.
Part of the Problem: Is It Us?
Rehabilitation services in many of the hospital centers in
Central America and the Caribbean do not reach their highest
potential, but it is not only because of limited economic
resources. In many cases, it is caused by the lack of enthusiasm
among personnel and our failure to communicate amongst ourselves.
The situation keeps us offering services in the same routine manner
without any innovations.
When I mention the lack of enthusiasm, I want to clarify that
the attitude can even be indifference.
Because of lack of communication, not only amongst ourselves,
but also with our administrative departments, these departments are
unaware of technological and clinical advances and what is
necessary to improve O&P's technical and rehabilitation
services. Administrators also have difficulty understanding the
reasons for the actual costs of these services.
A lack of knowledge, dialogue, and our own motivation also
rebounds in the form of incorrect implementation of programs and
the budget assigned, delaying our attention to those needing our
services.
We Can Achieve Our Goals
For years we have complained about what our
institutionsdon't offer us. During this
First Forum, "Uniting Frontiers," all participants accepted and
recognized that part of the changes we are looking for depend on
us.
WE WANT TO improve the rehabilitation services
we offer our patients today.
WE WANT TO receive specialized attention in
accordance with our needs.
WE WANT TO be accepted and integrated in our
society with equal rights.
WE WANT TO be adequately educated to be
competitive and successful in the present world.
Frequently, we just say, "We want"--;but to reach our goals, all
of us must aspire and contribute toward these goals.
Unfortunately, the high standards of some of the institutions in
our region in which everybody's job is performed enthusiastically,
in which we serve others with pride, is not being exported. These
institutions are great examples, and we should work to meet their
standards of service and their positive attitude. We should raise
our rehabilitation service level up to its potential capacity.
Often, we can look to the examples of many of our patients, who,
despite their own limitations, maintain a positive attitude, which
allows them to confront the difficulties and live their life the
best way possible.
A change of attitude--yes, we can! Let's work for
it!
Rosielena "Rosie" M. Jované C. is assistant director
marketing and sales, International Department, for Becker
Orthopedic, Troy, Michigan. She is Latin American consultant for
the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) and
coordinator of international projects and an advisor for the
Community Service program for ISPO Panama. 
Table Of Contents - February 2006
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