A guest column by the American Medical Association, exclusive to KevinMD.com.

As physicians in the United States of America, most of us take stethoscopes for granted. A stethoscope is among the most basic and essential of all medical instruments, but in many parts of the world access to stethoscopes is severely limited.

WorldScopes is a global, philanthropic initiative of the American Medical Association Foundation that works with leading humanitarian organizations to collect and distribute stethoscopes to health care professionals in areas of need. After the earthquake in Haiti, WorldScopes collected more than 500 stethoscopes and sent them to physicians treating those affected. Recently, WorldScopes also sent stethoscopes to the University of Zimbabwe to help train African medical students. To date WorldScopes has already donated more than 9,000 stethoscopes to health care professionals around the globe to help aid in the care of countless patients. This year they are aiming to surpass 10,000.

Contributing to WorldScopes is simple and take very little time. Anyone can donate a new or gently used stethoscope or make a monetary donation on the WorldScopes web site of as little as $10.00 that goes wholly toward the purchase of new stethoscopes. If you are in a position to organize a collection drive at your hospital or medical school, information on the web site will walk you through this process step-by-step.

Times are tough for all of us, but if you have the opportunity to give back this year consider WorldScopes and help make a real difference in the quality of medical care for those around the world.

Cecil B. Wilson is President of the American Medical Association.

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