I am always proud to read about physicians who travel to distant lands to donate their time and expertise to the underserved around the globe. Many stories have been about physicians from Orange County.

Still, I have often thought that there are people in the United States who could use help and more doctors could participate if the volunteerism were local.

The time for this type of program may be near.

The Orange County Medical Association board recently heard a presentation about a program founded by two San Francisco surgeons to help adult patients who slip through the healthcare safety net. This is not a "fix-it" program for the problem of universal access, but it does enable doctors to bridge gaps in care while our cities, states and country deal with the uninsured crisis.

Douglas Grey, MD, chief of thoracic and vascular surgery at San Francisco's Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, and William Schecter, MD, chief of surgery at San Francisco General Hospital, established in 1993 a successful surgical outreach program called Operation Access. Dr. Grey told us some inspiring stories of individuals who had life-changing procedures, some simple, some more complicated.

Operation Access has been responsible for more than 1,950 free outpatient surgeries ranging from breast biopsies to gall bladder removal. In 2005, on a budget of $362,478, the organization achieved a new record, performing 368 surgeries, which represented a 53 percent increase from the previous year.

Operation Access began with one hospital and 15 medical volunteers. Today the network has grown to more than 330 medical professionals, including 160 nurses, 25 surgical technicians and 46 anesthesiologists.

More than 150 physicians currently donate their time and expertise to provide outpatient surgical procedures that significantly improve the health and quality of life of uninsured patients.

The process is straightforward: Potential patients are referred to Operation Access from primary healthcare clinics in the community. Operation Access staff screen the individuals for eligibility. Eligible patients are matched with a surgeon volunteer who, without charge, provides the surgical consult, surgery and postoperative care. All participating hospitals offer their facilities and supplies without charge.

The OCMA board heard comments from participating nurses and medical technicians about the spirit of joy and teamwork that imbues Operation Access surgical suites. These same staffers work together during the regular workweek, but on these occasions, they come together as equals in their volunteer efforts. They said working for those in need enhances their own lives and relationships.

Operation Access San Francisco feels its proven model can be replicated. Enter Operation Access Orange County. It has a nice ring.

On Oct. 5, Operation Access will be making a presentation to Orange County physicians. The meeting will be held at the OCMA office in Orange at 6 p.m. I hope all interested physicians attend. Come to the information session to hear how the Orange County medical establishment can develop its own successful surgical outreach.