A description of "barefoot doctors" in the People's Republic of China is presented. These peasant doctors are commune workers who have taken basic courses in medical treatment. Because 80% of the population lives in a rural agricultural setting, and because most doctors and medical services are located in cities, there is a serious need for medical personnel in the rural areas of the country. After Chairman Mao declared in 1965 that emphasis in medical and health work should be stressed in rural areas, preparation of "barefoot doctors" began. They are selected by fellow commune workers on the basis of intelligence, educational level, desire to become doctors, and will to serve the commune. They can be of any age or sex. All undergo three to six months formal training in either a commune hospital, agricultural college, or medical college. This is followed by on the job training. Courses include anatomy, physiology, pathology, acupuncture, and medicinal herbs. Basic responsibilities are environmental sanitation and preventive medicine. They supervise collection, treatment, storage, and use of human excrement for fertilizer; spraying of pesticides; and storage of drinking water. They dispense first aid, immunizations, and health examinations; and decide when a person should be sent to the commune hospital. (Author/AV)