Imagine a city the size of Hamilton, population 500,000, with only five doctors. That’s what the chronic shortage of doctors in developing countries looks like.

In the poorest countries, there is one doctor for every 100,000 people. That means 400 million people worldwide who lack access to a doctor. The majority of these people live in 57 of the poorest countries. But you can change that.

Where there are no doctors, there are consequences. Each year in developing nations, six million people die from malaria and tuberculosis. Half a million women die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Two million people die from diphtheria, measles and tetanus.

With few exceptions, these deaths are preventable. By doctors. Enough doctors. This is why we need your support.

The International Outreach Program of St. Joseph’s Health System trains doctors, who train doctors. We’re a non-profit organization that partners with universities, medical schools and teaching hospitals in countries that need more doctors, particularly more specialists and sub-specialists.

Donate a doctor now: Fund the training of a doctor from a developing country. Your donation saves lives, treats illness and restores health for years to come.

We give medical students and doctors the academic knowledge and clinical skills they need to prevent illness, restore health, save lives—and train other doctors to do the same. Our trainees also acquire leadership, communication, negotiation and teaching skills that help them generate lasting change in their communities and countries.

The power of multiplication starts in Hamilton, Ontario. We bring over physicians for residencies (typically three months) and clinical fellowships (typically twelve months) at McMaster University and area teaching hospitals. These physicians are licensed to practice medicine while in Canada. This is how we differ from other teaching programs that offer only observerships.  We also send physicians to our partner countries to deliver training, mentor our graduates and strengthen our relationships (and friendships) with the faculty and leadership of their medical schools and hospitals. 

Donate a Doctor

Fund the training of a doctor from a developing country. Your donation saves lives, treats illness and restores health for years to come.