Organizations

 

As Physicians for Peace marks its 20th Anniversary, we are proud to honor our founder, Dr. Charles E. Horton, the man who had the vision of using medicine as an instrument of peace around the world. He was, and always will be, our hero as we strive to carry on his dream of building peace and international friendships by caring for those in need...

A native of Missouri, Dr. Horton gained a worldwide reputation for his genius in plastic surgery and his role as a civilian diplomat. He received his undergraduate degrees from the Universities of Arkansas and Missouri and his medical degree from the University of Virginia. In 1955, following his plastic surgery residency at Duke University, he and his young family moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where he became the first to set up a plastic surgery practice. 

In the 1960s, Dr. Horton embarked on one of his first medical missions – a trip to Haiti as a public service project for his Rotary Club. After the Haiti medical mission, he continued to develop personal contacts in medical schools in many parts of the world, and this network of friends formed the basis for Physicians for Peace. Dr. Horton and his colleagues were a group of humanitarians who believed that sharing their talents with others in order to heal the sick and wounded was more important than political or cultural differences because “when you hold a sick child in your arms, there are no politics involved."  Through Physicians for Peace, Dr. Horton was confident that more doctors and medical professionals would carry on his important work of building peace and international friendships. 
 

In an interview with Horton shortly before his death in 2006, he asked that “…everyone be reminded that Physicians for Peace was founded for one main purpose – the exchange of medical education between Physicians for Peace and the countries hosting our missions.   Networking among medical professionals who became friends as a result of working together was the secret to the early success of PFP and remains my primary vision and goal for Physicians for Peace.” Physicians for Peace has continued to partner with hospitals and global health organizations throughout the world, sending more that 500 medical missions to over 50 countries. 

All of us at Physicians for Peace are proud to be a part of the vision and legacy of Dr. Horton, as we remember him on this special anniversary. Come join us as we honor 20 years of healing work of Physicians for Peace at our "Celebrate the Nations 2009 Gala Reception!" 

For tickets and information, visit the event web site. We look forward to seeing you there!