Tevita Palaki-Muti and Eric Desarme were introduced to the idea of providing orthotic and prosthetic care in Ethiopia by their classmate, Elise Dreiling. Elise had been to Ethiopia in the past and developed a passion for serving the Ethiopian people with prosthetic and orthotic care and the mutual exchange of information. “As a team we have long desired to impact the orthotic and prosthetic care of developing nations,” said Tevita. “I am passionate about serving those that have a medical need that I can fill or help meet, with my goal being to train someone who can continue to meet those needs for others when I’m gone.” Palaki-Muti and Desarme met with O&P faculty member Michel Moor to discuss the difference they could make in the homeless community as Prosthetists and Orthotists. A plan was made and a group put together to serve the people of Ethiopia on a mission trip which took place September 16 through October 2, 2016.
