On Volunteer Physicians in the Developing Nations

To the Editor.—  I am writing this letter to encourage more American physicians to volunteer for shortterm medical service abroad. Longterm voluntary work is a specialty by itself and is not for most American physicians. On the other hand, those with a month or so to give can make an important contribution to world health when they are properly prepared.For 15 months, I was a volunteer physician in eight countries in Latin America. My experience taught me that the most important and durable goal for short-term physicians is to teach in medical and paramedical educational programs for the native personnel. Public health experts agree that the training of auxiliary medical personnel is the most practical means of expanding the medical care system in the developing nations.Before leaving the United States, however, the visiting physician must prepare for such a teaching program. Besides knowing the local diseases, one should