Plastic surgery in Tunisia--an experience with CARE/MEDICO

From October, 1978, to October, 1979, the author worked for CARE/MEDICO in Tunisia. The purpose of this stay was to initiate the formation of a plastic surgery program at the Aziza Othmana, a university-affiliated hospital in Tunis. The roles of the Visiting Volunteer Specialist and contract surgeon are described. The major difficulty in establishing a long-term project was the failure of the host country to provide a counterpart to codirect the service and ensure continuity of the training program. Though overseas work has many rewards, the author suggests that several short tours of duty precede a longer commitment.