Three University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ (JABSOM) students are exploring ways to expand access to specialized orthopedic care across the Pacific, where patients often travel hundreds or thousands of miles for treatment.
Students Philip Lee, Sasha Rovinsky and Mason Caldwell published their research in the . The study examines approaches Pacific Island nations are using to strengthen local orthopedic care.
Bringing care closer to home
The researchers identified three primary approaches: overseas referrals, traveling surgical teams and “train-in-place” programs, in which experienced orthopedic surgeons work with local physicians over several years to develop surgical expertise.
While each approach has strengths, the researchers say combining them could create a more sustainable regional system.
“There’s a lot of effective approaches to addressing disparities in the Pacific, but we rarely examine whether these efforts translate into sustainable solutions,” Lee said. “We designed this project to show that investing in a multi-modal approach—especially a train-in-place model—can improve patient outcomes and provide a more cost-effective solution for local governments.”
Caldwell, who grew up in Guam, has seen the challenges firsthand. Guam serves as a referral center for patients throughout Micronesia, including those from Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and other outer islands.
“We have access to U.S. referral networks. We can send people to Â鶹´«Ã½, and we also act as our own little hub within Micronesia,” Caldwell said.
The research also highlights Â鶹´«Ã½’s role in strengthening healthcare across the Pacific. JABSOM students regularly complete clinical rotations throughout the region, building relationships with physicians and communities while gaining firsthand insight into healthcare challenges.
The project brought together experts from JABSOM, Stanford University, the University of California San Francisco, the American Red Cross and the Pacific Islands Orthopaedic Association (PIOA).
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