What is the Vargas Award?

On this episode of Hands in Motion, we are joined by Thomas Berger — the recipient of the 2024 American Association for Hand Surgery Vargas International Hand Therapy Teaching Award. As a recipient of this prestigious award, Thomas traveled to Guatemala to provide hand therapy services, as well as educate local occupational and physical therapists on upper extremity rehabilitation. Thomas shares with us his experience serving in Guatemala and the support he received from AAHS. Guest Bio: Thomas Berger, DPT, CHT, is a physical therapist and Certified Hand Therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He works at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL in the hand and upper limb clinic collaborating with a team of physicians and advanced practice providers. Thomas also serves as faculty for the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency at Mayo Clinic Florida, where he delivers annual education focused on the upper extremity. Thomas has shared his expertise at both national and international forums, including the annual meetings of American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) and American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT). Thomas is the recipient of the AAHS 2023 Vargas Award, which he was honored to use for a medical mission trip withGuatemala Healing Hands Foundation. He presently holds positions on the ASHT Nominations Committee and the AAHS Vargas Committee.The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.