third world opportunities

[surgerytum]

---

Members do not see this ad.

After completing my general surgery training in the next few months, I was wondering if anyone knew of a way of spending some time (a year or so) operating like mad in a third world country that has minimal access to well trained surgeons. The obvious benefit to me would hopefully be an incredible clinical experience with no shortage of cases with minimal liability and the opprotunity to see a different part of the world. I'm truthfully more interested in the surgical component which would hopefully allow me to hone my skills and grow more confident and independent. Thanks.

 

[BlondeDocteur]

This is very easy to do with some digging. Unless your overseas experience is extensive, I would suggest volunteering your services first with an established I-NGO. They'll take care of logistics, visas, emergency evacuation and the like.

A list can be found here:

http://www.imva.org/Pages/orgdb/wblstfrm.htm

 

[supercut]

sign up for a tour with Doctors without Borders. I know someone who did this. Surgeons can do shorter tours (3 months). My friend did something like 300 cases in 3 months, and lots of stuff he never did in residency (c-sections, eye enuclulation, ortho ex fix, etc) the emails I got were appropriate for a novel. And made me crazy jealous.

 

[BlondeDocteur]

actually, surgeons and anesthesiologists can volunteer for MSF for 6 week stints.

 

[jubb]

I've been wondering if this is were our open vascular procedures will be learned since everything is being done perc in this country. Why not spend 3 months in a 3rd world country fixing AAA's old school? I'd sign up if that were the case. Don't know where you're gonna find all those AAA's without some sort of screening process though.