Orthopaedic Associates' recent mission trip to Guatemala provided an opportunity for patients in need to receive life-changing orthopaedic care. While surgeons performed dozens of procedures throughout the week, Physical Therapists Kelsi Klein and Lindsey Fetter played an essential role in helping patients begin their recovery and regain mobility.
Working alongside healthcare professionals from across the United States, the team spent a week serving patients in Antigua, Guatemala. For both therapists, the experience was equal parts challenging, rewarding, and inspiring. "My role as a physical therapist gave me the unique opportunity to work with amazing medical professionals from across the U.S., all while being able to build genuine connections with and experience the warmth of the people of Guatemala," said Kelsi.
Each day began before sunrise. After breakfast and a morning devotional, the team walked through the cobblestone streets of Antigua to the hospital. Once there, therapists rounded with surgeons to determine each patient's weight-bearing status, mobility needs, and recovery goals before beginning treatment.
For Lindsey, one of the most meaningful aspects of the trip was seeing healthcare professionals from different backgrounds unite around a common purpose. "Our group was incredible and consisted of healthcare workers and support staff from all over the U.S.," she said. "Everyone worked so well together as a cohesive group all week. It was so awesome to see everyone help each other regardless of their specific job."
Throughout the week, both therapists worked with patients recovering from complex orthopaedic procedures. Many had traveled long distances for care and had lived with painful conditions for years before receiving treatment. One of the conditions that stood out to Kelsi was the number of congenital hip deformities she encountered.
"In the U.S., many of these conditions are often treated early in life through bracing and other medical interventions," Kelsi explained. "Here, however, many people lived with them for years without access to those basic resources. Their resilience, enduring pain while caring for families, working, and carrying on with daily life, was truly remarkable."
The therapists quickly learned that recovery meant much more than simply helping patients walk after surgery. For many, regaining mobility meant being able to return to work and continue supporting their families. "Most of our patients traveled from really long distances, and their biggest concern was being able to return to work so that they could provide for their families," said Lindsey.
One patient in particular left a lasting impression. Esther, a 19-year-old woman with hip dysplasia, traveled alone on a 12-hour bus ride in hopes of receiving a hip replacement. After undergoing a more extensive surgery than initially anticipated, she immediately focused on recovery so she could return home. "She fully participated with therapy with no complaints," Lindsey recalled. "We were able to teach her how to navigate the tall bus steps that she needed to climb to be able to travel home. I can't imagine traveling 12 hours on a bus just two days after such an extensive surgery, but she was so resilient and determined and never complained. I am still in awe of her toughness."
Despite language barriers, the therapists formed meaningful connections with patients and witnessed an overwhelming sense of gratitude. "The Guatemalan people were so kind and patient with my poor Spanish," Lindsey said. "I was overwhelmed with how happy and grateful they were and how little they complained of any pain after undergoing such extensive surgeries."
Kelsi also reflected on how refreshing it was to focus entirely on patient care. "One thing I particularly appreciated was being able to focus entirely on helping patients without the usual distractions of insurance approvals, billing concerns, and endless documentation," she said. "The gratitude from both the patients and the local medical staff made the work especially rewarding."
Beyond the clinical experience, both therapists returned home with a deeper appreciation for healthcare access and a renewed sense of purpose. "It put into perspective how fortunate we are to have access to medical care in the United States," Kelsi said. "While our healthcare system certainly has its flaws, experiences like this highlight just how valuable that access can be and how much we often take it for granted."
Lindsey echoed those sentiments, noting that the mission helped reconnect her with the reason she chose a career in healthcare. "I feel that in healthcare we often get too caught up in the day-to-day," she said. "Being able to participate in such a mission was so very humbling to me and brought me back to the root of why I love to do what I do."
As the team returned home, both therapists carried with them memories of resilient patients, dedicated volunteers, and the impact that compassionate care can have on people's lives. Kelsi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness firsthand the difference quality healthcare can make, saying, "I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to participate in this experience and witness the difference compassionate care can make." Lindsey shared similar sentiments, reflecting on how the trip strengthened both her personal and professional perspective. "Thank you so much again for such an amazing opportunity," she said. "I feel like the Guatemalan people gave me a new perspective to be grateful for all that I have. I hope this is not my last mission trip, as I would love to go back and do even more."
