[Medical practice on the Leeward Side]

The daily practice of medicine in the remote Leeward Islands of French Polynesia is a particularly gratifying experience. The population of 1200 inhabitants is eager to receive continuous medical services after many years of waiting for better care. Relatively good access to various specialists working in the hospitals of Raiatea or Papeete and to emergency and scheduled medical evacuation services make medical practice far more attractive on the Leeward Islands than in remote communities in underdeveloped countries of Third World. The first cause of morbidity is overweight associated with a high incidence of type II diabetes and attendant complications.