Why did you create SOS?
After providing surgical care in many developing countries, we were frequently asked by interested colleagues how they could get involved in similar endeavors and where their skills would be useful. We also recognized that sustainable solutions to the lack of surgical care would only result from supporting local surgeons and collecting data on the massive unmet needs.
How are you different from organizations like Doctors Without Borders and Doctors of the World?
Although several NGOs have longstanding surgical volunteer programs, they often provide care in crisis environments and require a time commitment that many surgeons cannot fulfill. There are many hospitals throughout the developing world that would benefit from even a short visit from a volunteer surgeon.
How does SOS help members find opportunities to volunteer?
Through numerous contacts throughout the world, we have developed a network of hospitals that are in great need of assistance.
Do you organize surgical missions?
Through our flagship program we fund a limited number of members to assist with training missions. Additionally, surgeon/resident missions are supported.
After providing surgical care in many developing countries, we were frequently asked by interested colleagues how they could get involved in similar endeavors and where their skills would be useful. We also recognized that sustainable solutions to the lack of surgical care would only result from supporting local surgeons and collecting data on the massive unmet needs.
How are you different from organizations like Doctors Without Borders and Doctors of the World?
Although several NGOs have longstanding surgical volunteer programs, they often provide care in crisis environments and require a time commitment that many surgeons cannot fulfill. There are many hospitals throughout the developing world that would benefit from even a short visit from a volunteer surgeon.
How does SOS help members find opportunities to volunteer?
Through numerous contacts throughout the world, we have developed a network of hospitals that are in great need of assistance.
Do you organize surgical missions?
Through our flagship program we fund a limited number of members to assist with training missions. Additionally, surgeon/resident missions are supported.
Is there a fee for membership?
Membership is free to all interested health care providers. Simply fill in the membership application available on-line.
What are the benefits of membership?
Members are given access to the hospital facilities database and are given preference for mission support. Member reports and updates are also posted on the blog and highlighted in our quarterly newsletter.
What countries have members worked in?
Africa: Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
Central/South America: Chile, Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua
Europe/Middle East: Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Iraq, Kosovo, Saudi Arabia
Asia: Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Vietnam


Membership is free to all interested health care providers. Simply fill in the membership application available on-line.
What are the benefits of membership?
Members are given access to the hospital facilities database and are given preference for mission support. Member reports and updates are also posted on the blog and highlighted in our quarterly newsletter.
What countries have members worked in?
Africa: Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
Central/South America: Chile, Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua
Europe/Middle East: Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Iraq, Kosovo, Saudi Arabia
Asia: Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Vietnam


Please contact rsgroen@hotmail.com for more information.
