Personal experiences with overseas volunteerism.

Orthopaedic surgeons often are unaware of the many opportunities and rewards of practicing and teaching as an overseas volunteer in a developing country. Opportunities include participating as a member of an American team under the auspices of groups such as Operation Rainbow; or, one can go alone and practice just with host country personnel through organizations such as Orthopaedics Overseas. Typically, the group missions are short-term assignments of 1 to 2 weeks and are more oriented toward doing surgery. The solo visits typically are 1 month or more and aimed more at teaching. The visits are as rewarding and educational to the visiting volunteer as they are to the host country. The volunteer must be open minded and willing to adapt frequently; he or she will be impressed by the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the host orthopaedists who generally work hard with limited equipment and basic supplies. In general, patients are appreciative and rather stoic. Surgeons from the host country also are grateful and eager to learn and share knowledge.