Volunteering Overseas Gives Physicians a Measure of Adventure and Altruism

Abstract

IF TREATING PATIENTS ATOP THE ROOF of the world in the Himalayan mountains, a hospital in war-torn Afghanistan, or a refugee camp in Sudan’s Darfur region sounds intriguing, physicians can do more than dream about such scenarios—they can volunteer with organizations that will allow them to mix altruism with adventure. But physicians willing to donate their skills and some time do not always have to do so in risky places—people in less hostile and yet still exotic locales are also in need of medical care. Today, many organizations offer volunteer opportunities for US physicians overseas. Traditionally, JAMA has published a triennial listing of such organizations with contact information, areas served, and specialties needed. This year the listing moves to the JAMA CareerNet Web site in an effort to improve access and allow for more frequent updating of the information. The online directory at http://jamacareernet.ama-assn .org/misc/volunteer.dtl will also allow physicians to link directly with the Web sites of organizations offering volunteer experiences.