Podcast

Facing unlimited needs and limited resources of personnel, equipment and supplies, medical missionaries daily have to "play God." What Biblical and ethical guidelines and practices can guide you through these and other ethical minefields that almost no one talks about? What changes are mandatory to your American thinking if you are going to survive and flourish?

This session with consist of a brief presentation followed by a panel discussion during an open question and answer period. Becoming a surgeon on the mission field, especially if one is interested in teaching, is a process which is more complex and takes more preparation than expected. The session is designed for medical students, surgical residents and those wishing to leave their practice to join the ranks of career missionaries.

The presentation will feature the personal experience of a physician assistant who has provided healthcare in the developing world most recently in Latin America, India and Africa. The advantages of the training and healthcare provision capabilities of the mid-level, the obstacles to healthcare provision in the developing world and the means by which those obstacles can be overcome will be discussed. The importance of national partners in the medical mission field for follow up and if possible for continuity of care will be examined. The speaker will present an overview of organizations that are recruiting mid-levels for short and full term medical missions.

This presentation will challenge participants to focus on where the Master is at work in their lives and inviting them to join Him in global health missions. The motives for global health missions in the context of the needs and expectations of those to be served will be examined. Participants will be encouraged to reflect upon the health and well being of their body, mind and spirit through a series of guided questions. A process for gathering and engaging a partnership team for accountability and spiritual support will be discussed.