Foreword

Article Outline

• Copyright

Although most issues of Current Problems in Surgery concern topics dealing with a specific disease state, we occasionally address non-clinical issues. Such is the case with this month’s contribution on “Volunteering for Surgeons” authored by Dr. A. Thomas Pezzella. This article is timely, considering that the world population is being driven closer by a centripetal force resulting from an ease of international travel and communication and the improving economic status of previously “underdeveloped” countries. Dr. Pezzella’s monograph is both philosophically sobering and practically informative. He challenges health care providers in the United States to become involved in improving the physical and mental well-being of their less fortunate colleagues in other countries. He presents this topic as an experienced volunteer, being currently on a one-year program to establish a cardiothoracic residency in Shanghai, China. There is much here, and Dr. Pezzella discusses both the pluses and minuses of serving in a foreign country. Fortunately, some of the richest Americans have decided to focus their philanthropy on improving health care internationally. However, their laudable goal will be realized only if committed, informed and knowledgeable physicians and surgeons are centrally involved in the mission.