This year, Doctors On Call (D.O.C., Organization Inc.) will celebrate one year of outreach service. Since its inception in June 2000, D.O.C. has pioneered the creation of novel surgical outreach strategies. This tradition is one in which we can take considerable pride and one that I am privileged to continue.

Our dedicated team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and logisticians have been committed to initiatives that will better position the organization to establish a health agenda with meaningful community participation and partnership. The health of the Caribbean stands at an important crossroad in the regions development, and D.O.C. proudly stands committed to assisting in this change. Many of the health problems that have engaged us for years - some of them for most of the last century - are being addressed with innovative prevention techniques, training, and education.

Today, more than 50 Jamaicans in the parish of St. Mary are healthier than they were a year ago. Small inroads have been made to address some of the seemingly intractable problems that have disproportionately affected the medically underserved.

The tragedy of the September 11th terrorist attacks teaches us that we must always be as prepared as possible for health threats - whether emerging or persistent. Control of disease and injuries, health education, targeted surgical outreach and clinical services are central to our vision for improving healthcare in the Caribbean.

A wide variety of stakeholders in the community are essential to reaching the goals set out in our mission to increase access to essential general and reconstructive surgery in the Caribbean. D.O.C. of the future must be an organization rooted in communities and well supported on all levels.

I am pleased to report that D.O.C.'s mission and vision is attracting support from all over the world, with an increasing commitment to local health agendas and solutions.

The history of D.O.C. tells the story of a committed organization, evolving to meet new challenges. Many dedicated volunteers and community partners work to help fulfill its mission. I thank them for a job well done.

Sophia Johnson
Doctors On Call

For more information about D.O.C. log on to the website www.doc-online.org.