This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
International volunteering requires preparedness, presents challenges
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
 David Brown |
SAN DIEGO — Ophthalmologists interested in helping around the world should be aware of how best to optimize their surgical volunteering experience, two experts said here.
"From a personal experience, I've been very gratified and challenged being able to do this. ...There's no question that my experience internationally [volunteering] has made me a better surgeon," David Brown, MD, said. "We really do make a difference, one person at a time."
"It's not about you, it's not about me, it's not about how many cataract surgeries we did this week, but it's about fostering an exchange and interchange," Stan Pletcher, MD, said.
Dr. Brown and Dr. Pletcher gave one presentation together at Glaucoma Day preceding the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting about ophthalmic volunteering. Dr. Brown founded Vision Outreach International; Dr. Pletcher founded Mission Eyes Network.
Dr. Brown said that physicians should be prepared for multiple challenges before volunteering. They should study the culture of the place they will volunteer and learn enough of the language to effectively communicate.
"A few phrases, a few words will go a long way," he said.
Dr. Pletcher said that physicians should choose an established agency or organization to volunteer with, especially on their first mission, and be open to return visits and skills transfer.
- Disclosure: No products or companies are mentioned that would require financial disclosure.