Walking through conflict: An autoethnography of providing prosthetic and orthotic rehabilitation in the Gaza Strip 2023–2025

This collaborative autoethnography explores the lived experiences of Heba Bashir, a certified prosthetist, orthotist, and physiotherapist working in the Gaza Strip amid ongoing conflict. Through reflective narratives and critical incident analyses, Heba reveals the emotional, ethical, and professional challenges faced in delivering prosthetic and orthotic care under extreme conditions. Themes of ethical dilemmas, emotional exhaustion, resilience, and balancing professional duties with personal and familial obligations emerge strongly. The study highlights critical gaps in the sustainability of humanitarian aid approaches related to prosthetic and orthotic services in Gaza and advocates for greater consideration of implementation realities. Heba's story underscores the resilience of prosthetic, orthotic and rehabilitation professionals and the urgent need for sustained global support for trauma rehabilitation services in conflict-affected regions.