The International Orthopedic Trauma Collaborative (IOTC) supports under-resourced trauma systems through collaborative training, research, and equipment procurement.
IOTC is working in collaboration with the University of Kansas Medical Center, the Kansas Health System, Project C.U.R.E., St. Paul's Millennium Medical College, and St. John Paul II Orthopaedic Mission Hospital to alleviate the epidemic of trauma responsible for the much of the world's death and disability. These collaborations improve the access and quality of orthopedic trauma care in the United States, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Madagascar.
Where We Serve
The African Trauma Initiative is providing equipment, fellowships, and observerships to the following regions:
Ethiopia
Zambia
Madagascar
Our History
The African Trauma Initiative first developed out of a partnership between orthopedic trauma surgeons from The University of Kansas and Saint Paul’s Millennium Medical College in Ethiopia. The the goal was to train orthopedic surgeons to deliver state-of-the-art trauma care, but it became apparent that this simply was not enough. Surgeons and nurses in this program developed the knowledge and skill but they lacked the access to equipment and adequate facilities to deliver life-saving trauma care. This led to the development of the International Orthopedic Trauma Collaborative.
The International Orthopedic Trauma Collaborative, officially became a 501c3 organization in 2026 with the goal championing the idea to deliver state-of-the-art trauma care in under-resourced trauma systems.
What We Do
Fellowship & Education
We support fellows of the African Trauma Initiative who are trained in clinical observerships, collaborative research, and simulation surgical training in conjunction with the University of Kansas School of Medicine. This training is a critical step prior to equipping our fellows when returning to their home countries.
Equipping
A key aspect of our work involves equipping institutions with equipment and implants. By providing our fellows equipment that is standardized in the United States, we aim to close the gap between the skill of trauma care providers and the availability of resources needed to deliver quality trauma care.
Building
We aim to empower under-resourced trauma systems through collaboratively establishing sustainable trauma hospitals that serve the public. These hospitals designs and modifications act as hubs for ongoing education and research in trauma care.
Research
Research is being conducted between our collaborators and students at the University of Kansas with the goal of improving trauma care both domestically and abroad. This research informs our decisions, determining the types of equipment and other cultural aspects of healthcare delivery.
Raising Awareness
We work in collaboration with students from the KU School of Film, Little Camel Films, and local artists to uplift the voices of our collaborators, building bridges with Americans and diaspora communities across the United States.
Our Team
Meet our Founders, Board of Directors, Executive Directors, and Medical Students.