Surgery and Healing in the Developing World - Dartmouth-Hitchcock

To My Son, the Urologist
Figure 5. Solar radiation reduces bacterial content of water. (Conroy RM et al. Lancet
1996; 348:1695-97).
Doug: When would be a good time to work overseas?
Dad:
Without hesitation I advise as soon as it is feasible for you to do so. Pertinent
considerations include: flexibility to leave practice for a time, family contingencies
and support, financial preparedness, length of term and lead time.
It is most likely prudent to start with a shorter commitment, perhaps two to four
weeks. Remember to count the total cost (lost income, ongoing overhead expenses),
not just air fare and room and board on site. If at all possible, travel with colleagues
for an initial term or two. Short-termers may not be accorded as enthusiastic a welcome
and even the needful guidance they had anticipated.
Doug: Where can I work?
Dad:
I would presume that all developing nations probably need your services. As
they say, ‘restrictions do apply’, however, mostly owing to political considerations.
Again, the location will vary according to one’s objective (cover, train, administrate,
lecture, etc.), time availability, preference for climate, second language skills, specialty,
living situation, health and tolerance for stress in professional challenges. Because
surgical practice challenges alone are substantial, even intimidating, I
recommend that every other dimension in the mix of the mission be as user-friendly
as possible.
Doug: How can I arrange a surgical mission?
Dad:
Resources to contact for potential missions include your specialty societies (in
Urology, the American Urological Association, Societe’ Internationale’ D’Urologie
and International Volunteers in Urology, for instance), the American College of
Surgeons, the American Medical Association, the International College of Surgeons,
the Christian Medical & Dental Society, church and humanitarian aid organizations.
For instance, International Volunteers in Urology performs a strategic func-
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