Humanitarian Medicine – Ask the Right Questions before Going Abroad
Using your medical skills to help build healthcare capacity in resource-limited areas can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your healthcare career.
We hosted a workshop on Humanitarian Medicine this past week at a medical conference and left feeling inspired by all the medical professionals who are eagerly trying to navigate how to get involved in Humanitarian Medicine. Finding the right opportunity to use your skillset abroad can be overwhelming and also challenging to find the “right fit”.
For those who want to use their medical skills to make a difference in the world – we are sharing some highlights and tips:
- There are effective and ineffective ways to provide medical care abroad – take the time to learn about the controversies in Humanitarian Medicine (or come to one of our MedTreks Global Health & Humanitarian Medicine Courses )
- Choosing an organization to work with: take your time, ask questions, speak to prior volunteers/staff.
- Match your skillset with the needs of the local community/organization: the more you align with the local needs, the more effective you will be
- Always seek ways to build local capacity: What can you leave behind besides material items?
- Will you be working in a role that is not able to be fulfilled by the local healthcare teams?
If you are interested in gaining more skills and knowledge on humanitarian medicine and global health, we invite you to join us in Kenya! This is specific Global Health, Travel and Humanitarian Medicine field course and seminar. You will gain hands-on skills and personal experience in an authentic cross-cultural experience.
Physicians, NPs/PAs and nurses can earn 10 CME or CEU credits for this trip.
