Each month all of the anesthesiologists in Pittsburgh meet up at a local restaurant to discuss topics relevant to the practice of anesthesia.  It’s our monthly WPSA meeting and if it weren’t for the fact that all the senior staff are there and there was free food, I doubt any residents would come willingly.  Tonight, however, the topic was very interesting.  It was about practicing in third world countries.  It’s amazing how I take it for granted how much this country has to offer medically, to its people.  Something as simple as a pulse oximeter is often very rare in places Africa, SE Asia, and South America.  It seems rather crude the way things are done elsewhere but I have to marvel at the ingenuity of physicians when forced to deal with the lack of adequate medical supplies and medicines.  I learned that ether is still very common in parts of the world.  Personally, I’ve never had the experience of using it because it is now banned in the US.  (Something about it being explosive…)  Anyway, one day when I’m older and have more time I’d very much like to volunteer my expertise and effort in helping those abroad.