Patients to Receive Free Joint Replacements During First DC area Operation Walk at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital

**Media Advisory**

Alexandria – (November 4, 2010) –  Inova Mount Vernon Hospital and Operation Walk have partnered to offer free hip or knee replacements to qualifying patients. This Operation Walk event is comprised of a team of surgeons, internists, anesthesiologists, nurses, therapists and other clinical staff who will donate their time, equipment and joint replacements to provide surgeries and follow-up care to those who do not have health insurance. This will be the first Operation Walk event held in the Washington, DC, area and is part of a national effort including L.A., Chicago, New Jersey and Alabama.

WHAT:
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital and Operation Walk Partner to Offer Free Hip or Knee Replacements to Qualifying Patients

WHEN:
Saturday, November 20, 2010
7:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
2501 Parker’s Lane
Alexandria, VA

WHO:
Gerard Engh, MD, orthopedic surgeon, pioneered the development of an implant for knees and is recognized worldwide as an authority on joint replacement. Currently, Dr. Engh volunteers as a surgeon and spearheads Operation Walk Virginia, which performs international medical missions offering free knee and hip replacements for those who cannot afford treatment.

Operation Walk volunteers who are medical professionals in the areas of surgery, anesthesiology, internal medicine and therapy will provide treatment for patients participating in the event.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.