News from World Spine Care
A Year In Review - Volunteering in Botswana
At the start of 2023, I packed my bags and whatever else could fit into my little car. I left my life in Johannesburg, South Africa to volunteer as a chiropractor for World Spine Care. Here are the top things I've learned from my time treating patients in an underserved community in Botswana.
A Visit to Botswana – President Haldeman’s Reflections
This past summer, World Spine Care founder and president Dr. Scott Haldeman traveled to Botswana with his wife, Joan. They spent a few days touring the clinics and visiting with Dr. Mufudzi Chihambakwe and Dr. Michael Pretorius, the two chiropractors running the clinics in Gaborone, Mahalapye, and Shoshong Village. Dr. Haldeman shares some thoughts about the progress and future of World Spine Care in Botswana.
A 50-km Ultramarathon for Low Back Pain
Join Michael Pretorius as he runs 50 kilometers across the largest salt pan on earth.
“They say in the middle of the pan, you cannot see land in any direction you look, only flat white salt for as far as the eye can see. It’s the closest thing to running on the moon you will ever experience.”
Volunteering Across Borders: Introducing Michael Pretorius
This week, we introduce you to Dr. Michael Pretorius, the latest clinical supervisor to join the World Spine Care team in Botswana. Originally from South Africa, he didn’t have to travel far – just a few hundred kilometers to the north – but, for him, it’s been a positive change to join a meaningful project to improve people’s lives.
Celebrating One Year of the Broadhurst 3 Clinic
The newest installment of World Spine Care clinics in Gaborone, Botswana turns one in March 2022. The patients that come to the clinic receive care are the real fruit of the efforts by Dr. Mufudzi Chihambakwe, the clinical coordinator. One such person who has benefitted from the care provided at the BH3 shared his story.
Building Community in Botswana
Since opening the newest World Spine Care clinic in Botswana six months ago, Dr. Mufudzi Chihambakwe has been busy building a community around spine care. As clinical coordinator for the BH3 Clinic, Mufudzi has brought patients and community members together for physical activity and education–including a hilltop yoga session for World Spine Day.
World Spine Care: an example of innovations to improve access to musculoskeletal care
World Spine Care’s program in Botswana was included among a number of examples of strategic innovations developed to improve access to musculoskeletal care, particularly in low- to middle-income countries.
A day in the life of our volunteers in Botswana
World Spine Care clinical volunteers share what happens on a usual day in Botswana.
Mahalapye – a rapid immersion into World Spine Care
Mahalapye is Botswana’s tenth-largest town. Sitting directly on the Tropic of Capricorn on the edge of the Kalahari desert, its 41 000 inhabitants enjoy a subtropical climate with long periods of sunshine interrupted only by a brief rainy season.
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