# Legacy of Compassion: The Life and Contributions of Dr. Ronald Joseph Garst in Advancing Orthopaedic Surgery in Bangladesh

## TL;DR

Dr. Ronald Joseph Garst pioneered orthopaedic surgery in Bangladesh, establishing critical medical infrastructure and training programs during and after the Liberation War.

## Contribution

The paper documents Dr. Garst's foundational role in creating Bangladesh's first orthopaedic rehabilitation center and training programs.

## Key findings

- Dr. Garst established the Rehabilitation Institute and Hospital for the Disabled, now NITOR, Bangladesh's first tertiary trauma center.
- He organized care for injured freedom fighters and launched postgraduate training for orthopaedics and rehabilitation professionals.
- His legacy includes honorary citizenship and ongoing contributions to orthopaedic education and infrastructure in Bangladesh.

## Abstract

Dr. Ronald Joseph Garst, a distinguished spine surgeon and missionary, significantly impacted the field of orthopaedic surgery in Bangladesh, especially during and after the country's Liberation War, when the nation had no orthopaedic specialists. His experiences during Bangladesh's struggle for independence inspired him to establish rehabilitation centers for injured freedom fighters and to found the Rehabilitation Institute and Hospital for the Disabled (RIHD), which later became the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Bangladesh's first tertiary-level trauma center.

In Bangladesh, Dr. Garst was critical in organizing care for injured freedom fighters, setting up a central limb and brace center, and launching a post-graduate training program for orthopaedics, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. He successfully raised funds, attracted international support, and provided essential training to Bangladeshi doctors, nurses, and limb-makers.

Dr. Garst's legacy extends beyond his medical achievements; his humanitarian spirit and dedication to helping the underprivileged earned him honorary citizenship in Bangladesh. He remained committed to supporting ongoing efforts at RIHD, frequently visiting Bangladesh and contributing equipment and training materials until his passing. Dr. Garst's contributions, such as initiating morning academic sessions at RIHD, continue to influence the orthopaedic community in Bangladesh. This article explores Dr. Garst's remarkable journey, his influence on orthopaedic surgery in Bangladesh, and the enduring impact of his work.