Frequently asked questions

Service is an important part of being a physician, and fostering that commitment begins in medical school. WorldScopes works to help doctors, nurses, medical students, and other health care professionals working in free clinics in the U.S. and among the world’s poorest countries by providing much needed stethoscopes.

What exactly is WorldScopes?
WorldScopes is part of the American Medical Association’s initiative, an effort to inspire and mobilize US physicians to donate their time, expertise, and resources at home and abroad. WorldScopes collects and distributes stethoscopes to those working in resource-poor settings in the US and around the globe to make sure that no one lacks this essential medical instrument.

Where does the money and/or stethoscopes for WorldScopes go?
All the stethoscopes you collect will go into the hands of health care workers who lack this basic medical instrument. 100 percent of the money you collect will purchase new stethoscopes. Read about some of the communities where WorldScopes stethoscopes have been sent.

Who can sponsor a WorldScopes event?
Anyone can hold a fundraiser or collection drive for WorldScopes. Do it:

• As a part of an elective course or program on health care and the poor
• In conjunction with a project sponsored by school chapters of groups like the AMA Medical Student Section (AMA-MSS), the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), or Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)
• Or just by organizing a project on your own!

How can WorldScopes help me organize an event?
It couldn’t be simpler to organize an event for WorldScopes:

• We can send you posters and brochures to use for fundraising or collection events.
• Call us (312) 464-4075, or e-mail us to consult on what types of events to organize.
• Advertising WorldScopes fundraising events in school newspapers, newsletters, or websites is easy—just tell us what you want and we’ll write it, and even provide personal stories of people in countries like Uganda, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe who have benefited from stethoscopes provided by WorldScopes.
• And we’ll pay for the cost of shipping stethoscopes to the AMA!

What are some ideas for events or fundraisers for WorldScopes?
Here are just a few examples of the ways you can raise money or collect stethoscopes for WorldScopes:

• Collection Drives
  What better place to collect slightly used stethoscopes than at a medical school or teaching hospital? Organize week-long events where faculty, residents, and students can make financial contributions or donate gently used stethoscopes. For more information on how you can organize a collection drive, contact WorldScopes@ama-assn.org.
• Fundraisers
  Hold a fundraising event—from bake sales to parties to auctions—and donate the proceeds to WorldScopes. It’s a great way to have a good time and feel good about making a difference.
• Online stethoscope donation
  Encourage your instructors, family, or friends to purchase stethoscopes online through AMA Practice Link.
  (This link takes you off the AMA website.)
  The AMA receives no royalty from the sale of stethoscopes for WorldScopes.
• Financial Contribution
  Making a financial contribution to WorldScopes on behalf of a loved one or in the name of world health is a fantastic way to show that medical students care about the health of those around the globe. Financial donations are tax-deductible through the AMA Foundation.

I noticed the WorldScopes website doesn’t have many photos. It happens that my friends and I look good in photos. Can we get one put on this website?
Glad you asked. Has your medical school held an event to collect stethoscopes or raise money for WorldScopes? If so, we’d love to share your story and photos in this space and recognize your work. Your story will also serve as a great example for other students who want to organize a WorldScopes event. Please e-mail your story and accompanying pictures to WorldScopes@ama-assn.org.

I want to organize a WorldScopes event. Where can I get more info?
You can e-mail us at WorldScopes@ama-assn.org or call (312) 464-4075.

Where can I send money and stethoscopes?
Stethoscopes or checks** can be sent to:

WorldScopes
c/o Kelly Shaw
American Medical Association
515 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60654

The fair market value of used stethoscopes and the purchase price of new ones are tax deductible as contributions to the American Medical Association Foundation.

**Please identify your medical school and any organizational chapter (AMSA, AMA-MSS, PHR, etc.) and make the check out to AMA Foundation—WorldScopes.