Restorative Medical makes trip to China
Karen Bonn, who owns and operates Restorative Medical of Brandenburg, recently made a work trip to China to assist the country in bringing better medical technology practices to its hospitals and clinics. Restorative Medical manufactures restorative orthotic devices for individuals with a loss of range of motion, as well as people with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, brain injuries and strokes. A few months ago, a man named J.R. Brandt from Shriner’s Hospital in California approached Bonn about making the trip to China. Bonn and Brandt both serve on a Medicare advisory committee together, and through their working relationship, Brandt recognized Bonn’s background as one that would make her an excellent consultant for the work that needs to be done in China. The problem in China, said Bonn, is that while the country is advanced in electronic technology and education, their health care practices are behind what they need to be. Chinese medical professionals recognize this and realize the importance of bringing in private companies to help them achieve their goal of better medical care. What Bonn thinks has hurt China quite a bit has been the governmental involvement and socialization of medicine. “It’s ironic that what appears to have held China back is what is being looked at for the future of the United States,” said Bonn. Lack of knowledge in certain areas, said Bonn, has resulted in a lot of amputations and the need for prosthetics in China – much more prevalent in their country than here in the United States. “One thing that is needed is better methods for preventing and healing wounds,” said Bonn. While in China for nine days, Bonn was impressed by the friendliness of the people, who were always very welcoming, personable, and hospitable to her and her colleagues during their visit. Since the role of women is somewhat more subservient in China than it is here in the United States, said Bonn, “It was an honor for me as a female – the only woman who went on the trip – to be so well treated and respected.” Interestingly enough, the University in Beijing has a relationship with the social services program at the University of Louisville. “We are looking at how we can use the existing social services people in China that already interact with the staff at U of L. They can be the catalyst to get help for patients there if we train them to identify patients’ conditions, what is available, and who to contact to obtain those supplies and services.” said Bonn. And the people in China very much want to learn all they can. “They are begging for more information,” said Bonn. “It’s an exciting opportunity for us to share our health care experience and shorten China’s learning curve by helping to provide the appropriate knowledge, products and services.” At present, Bonn and others involved in the project are trying to develop an efficient way to do training at clinics and hospitals throughout China. “The people in China are calling it an ‘educational road show,’ ’’ said Bonn, who plans to return to China in April to continue the work ahead. In addition to her work in China, Bonn will make a presentation to physicians in the physiatry residents program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 12. “I’m excited about what we can do to help our military personnel who’ve sustained spinal cord and brain injuries,” said Bonn. “They deserve the best, and from what I understand, they are getting it.”
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By KAREN KENNEDY