Orthopaedic Seminar Institute

Canadian Association Medical Teams Abroad CAMTA

Canadian Association of Medical Teams Plans 2009 Mission!

In February 2009 CAMTA will return to the Tierra Nueva hospital in Quito, Ecuador. After the successes of expanded two week missions in 2008 and 2007, we are excited to plan and execute another two week mission. Individuals will travel from Edmonton; Lethbridge; Red Deer; Victoria; Kelowna; Montreal; London, England; Katy, Texas; London, England and the United Arab Emirates in two teams to deliver orthopaedic care to the underprivileged in Ecuador.

This will be our ninth mission. It is only made possible by the generous support of Rotary and Lions clubs in Alberta as well as numerous individual and corporate donations.

Each year the mission is a life-altering experience for some of the participants. Kathleen, an education student in 2002 became graduated with her BSCN in nursing after her experience. Andy was in Arts and now has entered medical school. We think she made the decision based upon her positive experience in Ecuador! She returns each year as an interpreter and this year has encouraged other medical students to apply.

The 2009 team members will become very active in fund-raising in the fall of 2008 because each individual is responsible for their own airfare, hotel and meal costs for the mission. But a mission costs almost double the individual costs of $2,000 due to the expensive prostheses, medications and supplies that are required.

We are very grateful for the superb relationship our team enjoys with the staff of the Tierra Nueva Hospital. The Tierra Nueva is in the south of Quito in a very poor part of the city. The work of the Tierra Nueva extends beyond hospital care. They have social service, educational and housing agencies at work in the field.

About us

We are a group of medical and lay individuals dedicated to helping underprivileged people suffering from orthopedic problems in Ecuador.

Our team includes both pediatric and adult orthopedic surgeons, anesthetists, a family practice doctor, operating, recovery room and ward nurses, a physiotherapist, an anesthetic technician, lay people and students.

Mission Statement

To enhance the lives of those citizens in developing countries who are desperately in need of first world medical intervention by providing medical and surgical care as well as public health and ongoing education. To work together both here and abroad through mutual respect and effective communication.

Vision

To build a team of individuals who will participate whole-heartedly with enthusiasm, and in harmony towards our goals.

To provide medical and surgical care, public health education, and necessary equipment to citizens of the developing countries so that they may move towards becoming more independent in the provision of their own health care.

To listen with respect to new ideas, to foster effective communication and to explore possibilities for growth.