The Itinerant Surgeon

ABSTRACT

This term has become tainted among the members of the Ophthalmologcal Society of the West Indies because of the practice of some surgeons who visit the region of not making adequate arrangements for post-operative care, visiting without informing local ophthalmologists and, in some instances, bringing inferior and unsuitable skills. By its nature the practice of ophthalmology requires the use of large amounts of disposable materials that the region cannot always afford. Several international organizations offer help in this regard, but this is often linked to the requirement that their staff should visit and do the surgery. We have to be vigilant that surgeons who are sent by these organizations are adequately trained and licensed and we have to be aware of the surgeon who is seeking further training in our islands. There are many ethical surgeons who visit from time to time to perform surgery and engage in the exchange of skills. They should be welcomed, providing that they are satisfying a need that has been identified by the local surgeons. The visiting surgeons should treat the local fraternity with respect and should leave the local doctors and their patients with their dignity intact. I would further suggest that the term "itinerant surgeon" be dropped from our vocabulary and the term "visiting surgeons" be substituted.(AU)