title: A Physician's perspective on volunteering overseas…It's not all about sharing the latest technology.
abstract: There are many therapists and physicians with an interest in doing medical humanitarian work in underserved countries. However, one must be cognizant of numerous factors that can have an impact on the value of the encounter for both the volunteer, local medical community, and patient. With proper planning and a healthy mindset, volunteer work can be an extremely rewarding experience.
authors.affiliation: 317 West Morgan Street unit 512, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA. Electronic address: jonkolkin@mindspring.com.
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kolkin
mesh_terms: D000533:Altruism; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002681:China; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008493:Medical Missions; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000193:education; D014481:United States; D014838:Volunteers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: Health Volunteers Overseas; Humanitarian; Overseas; Physician; Therapist; Volunteer