As a surgeon, why should I participate in Hip Hip Hooray!?

"We keep Canadians moving! Hip Hip Hooray! is a good news story and brings together the Canadian orthopaedic community to celebrate the positive impact of orthopaedics in Canada," says Dr. Ted Rumble, Hip Hip Hooray! National Chair.

Participating in Hip Hip Hooray! benefits patients, surgeons and treatment facilities.

It's good for patients!

Hip Hip Hooray! gives patients something to look forward to - showing off their new mobility made possible through orthopaedic surgery. It gives them a chance to give something back: Their donation provides funding for research, education and improvements to care right in their own backyards - all things that made their surgery possible. It gives them a sense of community, and connects patients waiting for surgery with those who have had surgery to alleviate their fears. Those patients who have had surgery are very proud of their surgeon and their new mobility and Hip Hip Hooray! gives them a chance to give something back.

It benefits treatment facilities!

Restricted health care budgets often mean hospitals and clinics go without the best equipment for patients' diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Hip Hip Hooray! offers an opportunity to change that as funds can be used to supply the best equipment for patients. Many Hip Hip Hooray! Planning Committees are recognized as major donors to their community hospital foundation. This is key because as government strives to reduce wait times, more resources will be needed for the increased number of patients you will be treating.

It's good for your practise!

Hip Hip Hooray! gives you something fun to talk to your patients about. It's a great ice breaker with new patients who are understandably nervous about major surgery. Whether patients are in the pre-operative or post-operative stage of the orthopaedic care path, talking about Hip Hip Hooray! creates an opportunity to put them in the right frame of mind: focused on their recovery and mobility.

What's involved?

Participating in Hip Hip Hooray! is easier than you think. The local Hip Hip Hooray! Planning Committee looks after the majority of the details. As a surgeon, stock your office with the postage-paid year-round brochure and posters. Promote the event year round by talking to each patient about participating in the event. Simply call the Foundation's office for supplies.

How do I participate in the walk?

Your participation can be as a walker, a sponsor or a donor. Not only can you ask your patients to attend the event and get sponsors, but you can ask those that are unable to attend to sponsor you, because you're a walker, too!

How are the funds used?

A portion of the funds raised are distributed in your community for improvements to care, education for professionals, and other local priorities. A portion of the funds raised support national research awards and educational programs for professionals and

What if there is no Hip Hip Hooray! Planning Committee in my community?

Give the Foundation office a call and we'll help to start one up. Keep an eye out for a volunteer who would be willing to head up planning the event in your community - they might be a patient, nurse, or physiotherapist - and provide your recommendation. The Foundation will do the rest.

"Those surgeons that have participated in Hip Hip Hooray! have found it a tremendously satisfying experience and they keep coming year after year," says Dr. Allan Gross, Hip Hip Hooray! former National Chair.

Tips for encouraging patients to get involved

Plagued by complaints of long wait lists? Direct your patients here to tell their story to someone who can help.