Dr. John Weaver and Dr. Victoria Weaver: A Dynamic Duo Transforming Lives with Solidarity Bridge
Reading, PA — November 5, 2024 – Husband and wife team Dr. John Weaver, a distinguished neurosurgeon, and Dr. Victoria Weaver, a neuroscientist specializing in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, have spent over a decade together transforming healthcare in Bolivia through their work with Solidarity Bridge. Together, they have participated in numerous mission trips, combining their unique expertise to support life-saving neurosurgery and rehabilitation in resource-limited environments.
Dr. John Weaver of Penn State Health St. Joseph first became involved with Solidarity Bridge in 2008 when he traveled to Bolivia on a mission to advance neurosurgical care. Since then, he has made 14 trips to Bolivia where he works alongside local surgeons, providing training and introducing innovative approaches to spine surgeries. His work focuses on addressing complex cases such as spine trauma, often in hospitals that lack sophisticated medical equipment.
“We work in some very challenging environments, but the relationships we’ve built and the impact we’ve had make every trip worth it,” Dr. Weaver shares. “Seeing local neurosurgeons perform high-risk surgeries with the limited resources they have is inspiring, and being part of their journey to build a sustainable healthcare system is incredibly rewarding.”
A Team Committed to Long-Term Impact
Victoria Weaver, PhD, has been an equally essential part of their partnership with Solidarity Bridge. As a neuroscientist and speech pathologist specializing in brain injury rehabilitation, Dr. Weaver has worked alongside clinicians in Bolivia to improve post-surgical recovery for patients and educate families on the long-term care required after a neurosurgical intervention.
“Neurotrauma doesn’t just affect the patient—it impacts the entire family,” explains Dr. Weaver. “In Bolivia, families are often the primary caregivers after surgery, and many don’t have access to rehabilitation services. My work has been about helping these families learn the skills they need to support their loved ones after surgery.”
On their trips to Bolivia, Drs. Weaver collaborate with local medical teams, sharing their expertise and mentoring clinicians on the ground. Together, they help train local neurosurgeons in cutting-edge surgical techniques and work with rehabilitation professionals to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care throughout their recovery process.
Sustainable Healthcare for the Future
Dr. John Weaver and Dr. Victoria Weaver’s commitment to Solidarity Bridge goes beyond providing medical care—they are focused on creating sustainable healthcare systems. “We’re not just there to perform surgeries. Our goal is to train local doctors so they have the skills and tools to provide care long after we leave,” says Dr. John Weaver.
Dr. Victoria Weaver echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of educating family members and caregivers in post-operative care. “We want to ensure that patients receive quality rehabilitation, even in environments where resources are scarce. That’s why educating families and caregivers is just as important as performing the surgery itself.”
A Decade of Impact and Counting
As they reflect on their years of service with Solidarity Bridge, Drs. Weaver are proud of the relationships they’ve built with Bolivian clinicians and the progress that has been made in improving access to neurosurgical care. “We’ve seen incredible changes over the years,” Dr. John Weaver says. “Bolivian neurosurgeons are now performing surgeries that were once thought impossible in their hospitals. That’s the power of building capacity and empowering local healthcare professionals.”
Looking ahead, the couple is excited to continue their work, with plans to return to Bolivia and further expand the neurosurgical and rehabilitation training programs. “This work has changed us as much as it’s changed the communities we serve,” says Dr. Victoria Weaver. “It’s a privilege to be part of something that is making such a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
About Solidarity Bridge
Founded in 1999, Solidarity Bridge partners with healthcare providers in Bolivia and Paraguay to deliver life-saving surgical care to those who cannot otherwise access it. By equipping local doctors with the skills and resources they need, Solidarity Bridge strengthens local healthcare systems, ensuring long-term sustainable impact.
To date, the organization has facilitated over 30,000 consultations and performed more than 8,000 surgeries, changing lives and building healthier communities across the region.
For more information, contact:
Catherine Werner
Development Director
Phone: (847) 328-7748
Email: info@solidaritybridge.org
Website: www.solidaritybridge.org
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Facebook: @SolidarityBridge
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LinkedIn: @SolidarityBridge