title: A rural general surgeon's thoughts on surgery in South African rural areas.
abstract: A brief description of the old missionary era of rural surgery is given and this is followed by a description of the present situation. Problem areas relating both to medical staffing and infrastructure are identified. The characteristics required of a rural surgeon are described, and some thoughts are given to outline the establishment of long-term career paths in rural surgery.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Damp
mesh_terms: D004501:Education, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000639:trends*; D013019:South Africa