In Vietnam, hundreds of thousands of residents have lost limbs and face challenges every day related to their loss. Many injuries resulted from unexploded landmines left after the Vietnam War, traffic and industrial accidents, snake bites and diabetes complications. Some amputees use ill-fitting and heavy prosthetics or crutches to help them navigate the world. Others have no devices or tools to assist them.
Mercer's work in Vietnam is improving amputees' quality of life. And the new prosthesis allows many to return to work to support their families.
Mercer students, faculty and staff are helping amputees move again through the Mercer On Mission program in Vietnam.
The Mercer On Mission team will set up clinics with its in-country partners in Vietnam. Prior to travel, student participants will learn how to fit amputees with the Mercer universal prosthesis. This will allow them to work independently abroad with the help of translators.
Once in the country, students will work with patients from beginning to end, receiving hands-on experience throughout the fitting process. They will teach patients to walk with their new prosthetic devices, and see the joy patients experience when they do. Students also will collect data on amputee gait using electromyography and 3D gait analysis systems.
In addition, participants will triage patients and assist in treating orthopedic cases, including fitting disabled children with orthotic braces. They will help pharmacists dispense medicine and help patients with physical therapy to assist in their rehabilitation. Students may also distribute food and medicine to the needy.
Participants will learn about the local culture through sightseeing and attending at least one cultural program during the trip.
Upperclassmen and Vietnamese speakers will be given priority. Freshman applicants must demonstrate exceptional qualities to be considered.
View photos and videos from past trips on Facebook and YouTube.
For me, this Mercer On Mission program was a mutualistic relationship. I am grateful I was able to have a small part in improving peoples’ lives, but they also had a huge part in changing mine. I will always treasure and be grateful for the memories of strength, resilience, compassion, empathy, determination, humility and love that I have given to the patients of Vietnam and that the patients have wonderfully given me.
Each student who attended this trip has a duty to carry forward the education they’ve received by serving others well. I think our global responsibility to others, and how to do so in a respectful, sustainable way, is a concept that requires a lot of care, communication, effort and collaboration. I’ve realized that this is an area that I hope to continue to learn about and grow in. I hope to continue to heal and connect with others, to help support them in living to their highest potential, and to recognize their dignity and autonomy. I am grateful that Mercer On Mission allowed me to do this.
Students are required to sign up for six hours of credit. The registrar will enroll you in courses for your program, including one class from each of the program's faculty.
