Several weeks ago my son in middle school was assigned a position paper to address whether celebrities and athletes should be considered good role models. His early opinion was that they would meet his definition of role models. I argued against his opinion and tried to convince him that it is not what a person is but what a person does that should decide whether they represent a good role model. I was trying to distinguish for him what I felt was this critical distinction between a celebrity and a role model. I recently overheard this best described, as a celebrity is someone you would love to spend the day with and a role model is someone whom you would like to grow up as. Oftentimes, we just need to look across the table or into the eyes of a fellow physician to see those individuals we admire, respect and emulate.

The tragic events of September 11th galvanized our country in more ways than we can imagine and as a by-product of this senseless carnage brought forth innumerable heroes defined by their courage, resiliency, and resolve. It is this immutable spirit and vision that is so often reflected and embraced by those who give of themselves to those who are less fortunate. During my interim with the DCMS International Health Service Committee I have seen many of the initiatives and local projects supported by our own local hometown heroes—volunteer physicians.

It is with great pleasure and humility that I serve as guest editor for this issue of Jacksonville Medical Magazine devoted exclusively to International Medical volunteerism. This issue will spotlight local organizations and doctors who are making a significant and sustained impact because of their overseas endeavors. In my capacity as chairman of the DCMS International Health Service Committee I have seen first hand the profound influence that these physicians have had on the health, spirit, and sustenance of those that they serve. Within the Committee I have been assisted, encouraged, and supported by an all-volunteer group of physicians and medical administrators who are too numerous to count. Without their support and guidance our principal project—the development and implementation of a Health Care Registry, would not have been possible. One of the articles describes the goals and initiatives of this worthwhile undertaking.

There are many local and regional International Health Care projects we could have included in this issue but I am particularly pleased to focus on CHORES, Haiti-St. Boniface Foundation, and Mayo Clinic Overseas projects. I have personally been touched by these local organizations and the many miraculous gifts they have given to the disadvantaged. These and other organizations will be profiled and listed on our new web site internationalhealthvolunteers.org. I encourage all readers to visit this site to preview other humanitarian and relief organizations worldwide as well as to consider on-line registration as a medical volunteer. Our goal is to eventually provide a comprehensive resource for physicians and organizations wishing to work together to improve healthcare overseas.