Podcast

India distinguishes itself as one of the worst places in the world to die (Lancet 2015). In rural areas, because of a severe lack of access to appropriate health care, disease often simply ravages the bodies of our precious people completely unchallenged. A host of factors preclude good quality of remaining life, and a good death. Home based palliative care in this scenario is a breath of fresh air, bringing relief, comfort and hope, thus affirming the dignity of human life grounded in Imago Dei

Speaker(s): Ashita Singh
Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/impact-of-a-replicable-model-of-palliative-care-in-underserved-rural-indian-communities

After a brief overview of the global challenges that human Trafficking presents, we will discuss the role of Christians in the fight. We will present a situation report and tools that Medical Ambassadors International uses to address the problem from a grassroots perspective. We will showcase partnerships with local actors, teaching resources used in different cultural settings and the impact of networks to eliminate Trafficking.

Speaker(s): Dr. Bibiana Mac Leod, MD; Zuzana Polackova MS,M.Ed
Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/taking-action-against-human-trafficking-from-within-communities

Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) face significant challenges to their health & well-being. Caring for people in these situations requires an understanding of their unique needs as well as having realistic goals regarding what can & cannot be done for them.
Our experiences in providing healthcare for the victims of in Zaire, Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Honduras, Nepal, Kurdistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Haiti, Philippines, & other places – both natural & manmade – highlight the need to be well prepared when serving in these difficult situations.

Speaker(s): Mitch Duininck MD, FAAFP
Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/caring-for-victims-of-humanitarian-disaster-and-military-conflict

How do you keep up with the demands of ministry while balancing the needs of your family, not to mention your own needs?
How do you keep doing more with less?
How do you protect yourself from burnout while advocating for the least of these?
How do you establish boundaries without neglecting the needs of your community?
What does work–life – balance look like?

These are some of the questions Dr. Thomas and his wife, Jessie hope to explore as they share lessons from the field. Dr. Thomas serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Dayspring Family Health Center answering a call to serve vulnerable and marginalized communities. Jessie serves as the National Director of Student Programming at Christian Community Health Fellowship (CCHF.) They have three teenage children. Serving their family and discipling their children are some of their top priorities. They are also active leaders in their local church. Despite the busyness and numerous challenges of ministry and family life, they have learned the importance of balance, boundaries, and rest.

Speaker(s): Jessie Thomas; Geogy Thomas
Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/staying-alive-finding-peace-in-the-chaos-of-missional-living

Motivating People to Change Their Health Habits

Speaker(s): Dave MD, MA (Bioethics)
Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/motivating-people-to-change-their-health-habits