Abstract

Dr. Amadio and Ms. Hathaway worked together from 2000 to 2002 in Mayo Clinic's traditional physician/administrator partnership, as Regional Coordinators for Canada. Ms. Hathaway is currently the Administrator for Mayo Clinic's Office of International Relations; Dr. Amadio, in addition to his work as a hand surgeon in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, chairs Mayo's Internet Technology and Institutional Clinical Data Repository Subcommittees. Based on their combined experience in clinical practice, information technology infrastructure development, and international relations, they comment on the proposed "globalization" of healthcare - historic and current barriers, as well as opportunities.