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| NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS: 2007 INTERNATIONAL MEDICINE AWARDS |
The story of medical missions is highlighted by individuals who inspire their colleagues towards similar selfless service. Some of these individuals are described among the INMED Role Models. INMED is pleased to continue this effective tradition by announcing the 2007 International Medicine Awards. On May 11, at the Exploring Medical Missions Conference, INMED will present two awards: the 2007 International Medicine Award and the 2007 Fight Against HIV Award.
The 2007 International Medicine Award will be offered to an individual who has made a significant contribution to health in developing nations. The 2007 Fight Against HIV Award will similarly be offered to someone who has made a significant contribution toward control of HIV in developing nations.
Qualifications for nomination of both awards include:
- Being a member of any health profession
- Serving a significant period in a developing nation, whether full-time or part-time
- Being a role model who others can emulate
INMED is now accepting nominations for both awards. Most people engaged in international medicine are found working extended hours in isolation, and under severe financial and social restraints. Normally unnoticed and under appreciated, seldom is heard an encouraging word in their day-to-day lives. The Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and encourage these individuals.
To nominate someone for either award, please submit your recommendation via email at our Contact page. The INMED Board of Directors will review all nominations, and make the Awards announcement at this year's Exploring Medical Missions Conference. INMED invites all health professionals to join us in this event!
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| HAITI: NURSING OUTSIDE THE COMFORT ZONE |
Cindy Obenhaus, RN
How does a "normal" American nurse go from a suburban neonatal unit to leading one of the most exemplary medical missions projects in the world? Cindy Obenhaus, RN - a keynote speaker at this May's Exploring Medical Missions Conference - says that the process was gradual and increasingly compelling. Cindy's first medical mission to Haiti was in 1987, where she was thrust into the harsh realities of living as most Haitians do: without running water, electricity or security. But Cindy was nevertheless inspired by the vision of caring for some of the most neglected people on earth. For the next fifteen years she continued going back to Haiti for two weeks at a time, assisting in mobile clinics, vaccinating, and providing care for sick children.
In 2002, Cindy and her team also began providing medical education by teaching neonatal resuscitation and management of obstetrical complications to Haitian nurses and medical students. As they became more exposed to the health care system they were struck by the fact that most medical care in Haiti was substandard in quality, too expensive for people to afford, and too far away from those who needed it most.
In response, Cindy and a coalition of Kansas City area churches, foundations, physicians, pastors and volunteers developed a vision for a new birthing center. Unlike other health facilities, it would be first-world quality, free to patients, and located in an unserved area. The Maison de Naissance - French for "Birthing Home" - opened in 2004. Since that time over 600 mothers have given birth, with only two infant deaths - a small fraction of the national average.
Cindy continues to lead Maison de Naissance and is animated about her experience. "As a Christian, I'm called to go out into the world to step out of my comfort zone. The result is that I'm hopefully more compassionate and more understanding of people who are different than me. Being uncomfortable is good. That's where you'll find opportunities to both serve and to grow as a person. Go ahead: Get uncomfortable!"
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| CAN A SPECIALIST DO MEDICAL MISSIONS? |
Bruce Banwart, MD
Propelled by the devastating 2004 tsunami and the ever-growing global HIV/AIDS crisis, interest in medical missions has never been higher. Many health professionals feel compelled to volunteer their services to those people most in need, but few follow through on these good intentions due to numerous misconceptions about medical missions. Two of the most common are:
- "I have a specialty that can't be used"
- "I can't afford to take time off"
The life of one physician, Bruce Banwart, illustrates how these perceived obstacles can be crossed. Bruce is a pediatric intensivist - a sub-specialist skilled in the care of critically ill children at Children's Mercy Hospital. Dr. Banwart, a speaker at the Exploring Medical Missions Conference in May 2007, also actively cares for impoverished people.
Few mission or government hospitals in developing nations have a pediatric intensive care unit or other such sophisticated services. Bruce had volunteered in primary care clinics in Latin America, and almost gave up on the hope of using his specialized medical skills. Then he became connected with Operation Smile - an organization that provides reconstructive facial surgery to indigent children in the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Iraq. Operation Smile needed a pediatric intensivist to care for their children following surgery, and Dr. Banwart responded. He spent several weeks in Asia with Operation Smile and reports, "These especially needy children require complex post operative care. I'm encouraged to discover my niche!"
How can a health professional afford the time away from their practice? Dr. Banwart responds, "I live a prudent lifestyle, financially speaking, and dedicate my vacation time to medical missions. The sacrifice is really minimal compared with the new friendships, experiences and satisfaction of serving those who are most helpless."
The perceived obstacles against medical missions are often more misconceptions than factual. Learn more about the practicality of medical missions from Dr. Banwart and his colleagues at the upcoming Exploring Medical Missions Conference.
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| ISN'T ENGLISH ENOUGH FOR DOING MEDICAL MISSIONS? |
Nicholas Comninellis
English is today the dominate language of international affairs, as well as the official language of some twenty nations. Even in countries where English is not commonly spoken, translation is usually readily available. These facts frequently tempt health professions to falsely believe their ability to speak English will guarantee clear communication.
"Completely untrue," says Nicholas Comninellis, President of INMED. For three years Dr. Comninellis provided medical care in Africa & China. "Language is an expression of the beliefs and lifestyles of particular cultures, and identical words or phrases may have different meanings within these distinct cultures. If we do not understand these facts we may actually worsen people's health rather than helping. For example, we instruct HIV-positive people in North America to not pass on their disease, meaning that they should not have intimate contacts. People in eastern Africa have also been taught using the same words to not pass on their disease. Yet many local persons have misinterpreted this message to mean that they actually should have intimate relations, because in their culture if they pass on an object, such as HIV, they themselves will no longer possess it. We must be very careful when speaking English in a different culture to assure that we are accurately understood."
Confusion at Shanghai Charity Hospital
"Better yet," continues Dr. Comninellis, "where English is not commonly spoken we do well to hire a tutor and learn the local language. One of the most immediate advantages is the sense of well-being and security that results. It is also creates insight into the culture of the people we wish to serve. But the most persuasive reason to learn a local language for the symbolic significance. It communicates both respect for national people and our personal commitment to building relations with them."
Learn more about crossing cultures, mastering language and their impact on health by attending the Exploring Medical Missions Conference. These subjects are also covered in the INMED International Medicine Course, now available in affordable paperback.
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| 95 PERCENT FORGOTTEN: HIV IN DEVELOPING NATIONS |
Unknown HIV Infection
Andre was just five years young when his parents brought him to a clinic in Africa. As I examined Andre, his parents described weeks of diarrhea and fever. Without appetite, Andre was also rapidly losing weight. On examination of Andre's chest, I found pneumonia and on his skin, unusual growths. We treated Andre for his infection and dehydration, but after just a few days, Andre succumbed to the mysterious illness. Weeks later, I learned the result of Andre's blood tests. The baffling disease that plagued his body was actually HIV and AIDS. Without the resources to test or treat this disease, we had little chance of saving this child's life.
Stories similar to Andre's are myriad. Global attention is riveted on the HIV/AIDS crisis, and rightly so. While progress against HIV is front-page news in wealthier nations, the seldom-mentioned truth is that 95 percent of the people infected with HIV live in developing nations, like Ghana, Africa (UNAIDS/WHO AIDS Epidemic Update: December 2006).
Case Study: Ghana, Africa
Ghana is an English-speaking nation of 10 million people in West Africa, about the size and shape of Alabama. To the south is the Atlantic Ocean, and to the north the Sahara Desert. Soon after discovery by Europeans, Ghana was used as a rich source of slaves. Today, Ghana is a democracy struggling against poverty and ill health.
Treatment of HIV
In Ghana as a whole, the prevalence of HIV infection is about 4 percent (UNAIDS/WHO Epidemiological fact sheet - 2002 Update). Ghana's Ministry of Health projects, however, that prevalence rate could increase to 9.0% by 2014, giving a total number of infected Ghanaians to be about 1.2 million (National AIDS/STI Control Programme, 2001).
The southern portion of Ghana is home to the capital city, Accra, and to an HIV intervention. However, northern Ghana is geographically remote and more impoverished. Like many parts of the developing world, today there is no HIV intervention in the northern two-thirds of Ghana - home to about 3 million people.
Is There Hope For Progress?
The dire growth of HIV in developing nations like Ghana tempts some people to deem the problem hopeless. This perspective, however, is not justified. Consider these facts:
- Simple HIV testing reduces risk of HIV. A research study in Kenya, Tanzania and Trinidad found that people offered HIV testing were significantly less likely to engage in high-risk sexual behavior (UNAIDS, "The impact of Voluntary Counseling and Testing, 2001).
- HIV treatment protects newborns. 35-45 percent of HIV-infected pregnant women will transmit the infection to their newborn babies. But with testing and simple drug therapy this risk can be reduced to just 2-3 percent (Resource-Poor Guidelines: WHO, 2004).
Protecting The Next Generation
- HIV drug therapy is effective. Provision of HIV drug therapy can be accomplished at low cost while prolonging life and reducing disease complications (Cost-Effectiveness of HIV Treatment in Resource-Poor Settings: NEJM, 2006)
The Way Forward
Often what most hampers successful interventions like these is lack of leadership. Effective strategies and funding can be brought to bear against HIV - but only by those who are motivated and equipped to do so. INMED is moving forward to fill this need for trained HIV leaders. Through these efforts, we can touch lives with compassion. We can protect the next generation. We can save another child from HIV.
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| INMED INTERNATIONAL MEDICINE BOOK IN DEMAND |
INMED International Medicine
120 individuals have enrolled in the INMED On-Line International Medicine Course since its publishing six months ago. Now by popular demand, the book version, INMED International Medicine, is available for purchase. This unique text covers the essential information necessary for success in medical missions, including International Health Issues, Diseases of Poverty, Cross-Cultural Skills, and Health Leadership. CME credit is also available for reading the book and taking an on-line examination.
Joe LeMaster, MD, MPH, of the United Mission of Nepal, 1990-2000 observes, "INMED International Medicine reviews content such as one would encounter in a Diploma of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene course. It also provides an excellent guide to cultural adaptation and developing local leadership. I have rarely encountered an educational tool that undertook such a broad agenda and did it so well. Those who give this book serious attention will be much better prepared for their overseas medical experience. This is a 'must see' for the serious student of international medicine and faculty member, and I highly recommend it."
Learn more about the INMED International Medicine book. Visit INMED Resources.
| 2007 INTERNATIONAL MEDICINE AWARD WINNERS |
Patrick Railey MD
Individuals highlight the history of medical missions through their passion for service. INMED is pleased to announce the 2007 INMED Award winners. Cindy Obenhaus, RN, is a neonatal nurse who for fifteen years made annual trips to Haiti to hold clinics for mothers and babies. In 2002, she caught a vision to create a modern birthing center to serve the most impoverished people. In 2004, Cindy and a coalition of Kansas City area churches, foundations, physicians, pastors, and volunteers opened The Maison de Naissance - French for "Birthing Home" - in Haiti. For her exemplary and tenacious service, Cindy Obenhaus was honored with the 2007 INMED International Medicine Award at the 2007 Exploring Medical Missions Conference.
Patrick Railey, MD, is a family physician who alarmed over the plight of HIV victims, says, "Working in South Africa and India, I witnessed countless people dying lonely, hopeless, and often needless deaths from HIV. The tragedy revolutionized my personal world and I committed my career to showing God's love for these people through compassionate medical care." Railey went on to lead Operation Mobilization's HIV intervention in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, India, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Lebanon. For his model and determined service, Dr. Railey was honored with the 2007 INMED HIV Leadership Award at the 2007 Exploring Medical Missions Conference.
Learn more about the lives of Cindy Obenhaus and Patrick Railey. Visit International Medicine Awards.
| 2007 EXPLORING MEDICAL MISSIONS CONFERENCE HOSTS 350 |
Med Mission Volunteers
120 physicians, 146 nurses, 34 medical and nursing students and 50 others including pharmacists, dentists, therapists, and physicians assistants attended the Exploring Medical Missions Conference May 11-12 at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Representatives from 16 medical mission organizations were also on hand to recruit volunteers, including Health Care Ministries (AG), Operation Mobilization (OM), The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM), and Baptist Medical Dental Fellowship (BMDF).
Conference participants summed up the sentiments of many: "The speakers are well respected community members and well versed in their topics," "I learned what is going on in international medicine, what works, and how to get myself involved," "Great Conference! I don't know of any other event that is similar to this conference." Please mark your calendars for next year's Exploring Medical Missions Conference May 9-10, 2008.
See photos and comments from the Conference.
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| CALL FOR HELP AT MISSION HOSPITALS WORLD-WIDE |
Have you dreamed of venturing into medical missions? Are you unsure about how to begin? Consider the INMED INMED International Medicine Certificate. This academic program provides the INMED On-Line International Medicine Course and experience serving in a developing nation. The INMED International Medicine Certificate Program is available to all health professionals and includes opportunities in forty different locations, including:
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Located in rural Uganda, this hospital ministry serves a community marked by subsistence farming, lack of education, and diseases of poverty. Kiwoko Hospital provides inpatient care, including neonatology, surgery and obstetrics. The clinic also provides services for nutrition, eye, dentistry, TB, HIV and antenatal care. Kiwoko sponsors a community health initiative for immunization, public education, malaria prevention, water development and improved nutrition. The hospital also trains staff through their own nursing and laboratory school.
Learn More About Kiwoko Hospital
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| KUDJIP NAZARENE HOSPITAL - PAPUA NEW GUINEA |
Papua New Guinea is a developing country in every sense, and faces many of the same struggles found in Africa or Asia. Diseases of poverty predominate, and responding with compassion is the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital (KNH). This facility is located in the beautiful Waghi Valley, and includes a clinic, nursing school, community health program, and full-service hospital boasting 850 deliveries per year.
Learn More About Kudjip Nazarene Hospital
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| LUBANGO EVANGELICAL MEDICAL CENTER - ANGOLA |
Angola, southern Africa, is a geographically beautiful country, yet scene to some of the greatest human needs on earth. The Lubango Evangelical Medical Center is one of the latest efforts to improve the lives of Angolans. Current services include a busy out patient clinic, ophthalmology care, and general surgery. The new 80-bed hospital features state of the art facilities for the developing world.
Learn More About Lubango Evangelical Medical Center
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| BACH CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL - PAKISTAN |
Set at the foothills of the Himalayas, this fifty-bed hospital provides care to rural Pakistanis, who suffer from diseases common in the West, such as diabetes, as well as from TB, typhoid, burns, etc. Large numbers of ill children and women with obstetrical emergencies and complications are also attended by the eight physicians from the US, Pakistan, Scotland and Germany who serve at Bach Christian Hospital.
Learn More About Bach Christian Hospital
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| CLINICA MORAVA - HONDURAS |
This medical ministry serves the indigenous, often neglected Miskito people of eastern Honduras. The Clinica Morava has an active outpatient
service and a public health program that focuses on nutrition, vaccination, and malaria prevention. The hospital averages about 10-20 inpatients,
and provides obstetrics care and general surgery.
Learn More About Clinica Morava
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Jennifer Flint, MD, from Kansas City completed the INMED International Medicine Diploma Program and observed, "After spending one month
in Ghana with INMED's help, I have decided to incorporate international medicine into my career plans.
I learned to care for people with terrible diseases of poverty, like malaria and typhoid, that I would
never have seen here in the States. I also learned to appreciate how thankful Ghanaians are for the
little they possess. I recommend this training for anyone with a heart for the world."
Learn more about the INMED International Medicine Certificate Program.
Become more familiar with international medicine by reading the newly published INMED International Medicine book, or by enrolling in the on-line International Medicine Course.
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Dr. Armistead in Pakistan
Most health professionals dream of international service, but what motivates this ubiquitous attraction? For some, it is the reality of human suffering and a resulting sense of personal duty. Certainly the stark conditions of poverty, preventable disease, absent medical care, and needless death that affect developing nations are disturbing. Providing help is a moral imperative that often evokes compassion and action.
But the inclination to engage in medical missions is usually more complex. Some health professionals see it as an opportunity to test their skills amid the most demanding circumstances - ophthalmologists, for example, who are thrilled at the prospect of performing twenty cataract surgeries in a day. Other health professionals are more motivated by the adventure of entering a new culture, welcoming the insight and unique friendships it brings to them and their families.
Medical missions is also a way to test one's calling in life. Scott Armistead is a family physician from Richmond, Virginia, who followed this path. At this year's Exploring Medical Missions Conference, he described how as a medical student he volunteered at a hospital in Tanzania, and as a resident he served at a clinic in Mozambique. "While I did indeed care for people," explains Scott, "these were moreover 'vision trips.' They helped me to test and refine my career plans." Today, Scott is a staff physician at Bach Christian Hospital in the mountains of Pakistan - a role he's held for eight years. "In the final analysis," says Scott, "my motivation toward medical missions was not simply a response to human suffering. It was also complemented by a deep sense of personal joy and a desire to express my Christian faith in a very tangible way."
Whatever drives you to participate, the Institute for International Medicine would like to assist. Hundreds of health professionals have investigated medical missions through the:
- INMED International Medicine Course
This on-line course covers the unique knowledge necessary to serve successfully in developing nations, including topics of International Health, Diseases of Poverty, Cross-Cultural Skills and Health Leadership. The course is accredited for both CME and CEU.
- INMED International Medicine Book
Published in May, 2007, this book covers the information presented in the most famous tropical medicine courses - but you won't have to travel to London or Liverpool to prepare for medical missions! Additionally, readers can logon to the INMED website and take an on-line exam to receive CME and CEU credit.
- INMED International Medicine Certificate Program
INMED cooperates with more than 50 medical missions sites around the globe who are passionate about sharing their skills. As an INMED International Medicine Certificate student, you will work side-by-side with an experienced mentor in your particular field, serving the most neglected people and learning first hand the nuances of international medicine practice.
If you ever envisioned doing medical missions, then take a step today towards making that vision a reality.
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| CAN HIV BE FOUGHT ON A BUDGET? |
High Priority: Stop Mother To Baby HIV Transmission
Abeba was pregnant with triplets and arrived at a rural hospital with increasingly painful contractions of early labor. Prenatal care is unknown in this remote part of the globe, but a quick routine blood test was performed. Doctors shared with Abeba some dreadful news: she was HIV positive. Hours later, her babies were born, accompanied by more awful news: they too were HIV positive.
Sadly, this hospital lies in a region that offers no treatment for HIV. Without the proper drugs and care, the chance of Abeba or her babies surviving is essentially nil.
Case Study: South Africa
Accounts like this of Abeba are frightfully common in developing nations. South Africa, for example, suffers from the highest HIV rate in the world. In 2005, there were 5.5 million people - about the population of Missouri - living with HIV/AIDS, and an additional 2 million South Africans with undiagnosed infections (Kaiser Foundation, 2007). Women account for over half (55%) of the HIV infected adults. Tragically, over 290,000 children in South Africa are infected with HIV, and over 1 million children are AIDS orphans (ibid).
Is There Any Hope?
AntiRetroviral Treatment (ART) has dramatically cut the rate of HIV transmission and deaths in wealthier nations. While ART in such nations is relatively expensive and complex, protocols have been developed to successfully provide ART in low-resource countries, where it has also proven successful (Cost-Effectiveness of HIV Treatment in Resource-Poor Settings: NEJM, 2006). However, only about one person in four who needs ART is actually receiving it (WHO, 17 April 2007). This deficiency is largely due to strained resources and lack of health professionals trained to provide low-resource HIV care.
INMED Action Against HIV
INMED is working in cooperation with state-of-the-art institutions to provide training in low-resource HIV care:
Can HIV be fought on a budget? These institutions are proving that the answer is "Yes." In the coming weeks, we will be sharing information on opportunities so that everyone - whether health professionals or not - can play a part in fighting HIV where the conditions are most desperate. Certainly people like Abeba and her children will be grateful!
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| INTRODUCING INMED'S INTERNATIONAL HIV MEDICINE CERTIFICATE |
Help fight HIV in Papus New Guinea
Global attention is riveted on the HIV/AIDS crisis, and rightly so, for:
- 35-45 percent of HIV-infected pregnant women will transmit the virus to their newborn babies at or soon after delivery (Resource-Poor Guidelines: WHO, 2004).
- HIV claimed 3.1 million lives in 2005 alone (UNAIDS/WHO AIDS Epidemic Update: December 2006)
- The number of AIDS orphans in developing nations has grown to 15 million, including 12 million in sub-Saharan Africa (UNAIDS, 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic)
- 4.9 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2005
- The number of people living with HIV continues to grow - from 35 million in 2001 to 38 million (including 2.3 million children) world-wide in 2005
Growing Disparity
Substantial progress against HIV has been achieved in wealthier nations. However, 95 percent of people infected with HIV live in developing countries (UNAIDS/WHO AIDS Epidemic Update: December 2006) where the resources to combat HIV are comparatively minute.
Timely Innovation: The INMED International HIV Medicine Certificate
Growing numbers of health professionals want to make an impact against the HIV epidemic. To aid in the relief effort, INMED is introducing the INMED International HIV Medicine Certificate. This distinctive, educational program is designed to equip health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to combat HIV in low-resource communities. The Certificate is comprised of:
- International HIV Medicine Course, covering HIV epidemiology, sociology, prevention, and treatment, including AntiRetroviral Therapy (ART) and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT)
- HIV Service Learning, consisting of four to eight weeks of on-site work at a state-of-the-art center for HIV care where students serve alongside experienced INMED faculty
- HIV Leadership Essay, designed to help students clarify their understanding of issues surrounding the HIV crisis.
HIV Training In South Africa
INMED has developed International HIV Medicine Training Sites in cooperation with state-of-the-art medical facilities that provide HIV care in developing nations, including:
Your Opportunity To Learn & Serve
INMED is now accepting applications to the International HIV Medicine Certificate program. HIV care in low-resource communities requires a unique set of professional skills. International HIV Medicine Certificate graduates will be capable of caring for people in the very greatest of need while also inspiring others to join the fight against HIV.
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| INMED LAUNCHES CARE FOR KIDS IN SOUTH AFRICA |
Join INMED's CARE for Kids in South Africa
Projections suggest that by 2010 more than 1 million children will die from AIDS worldwide (UNICEF)
As this little girl, Kisizi, slid her hand into mine I could only think about the disease that was slowly taking her life. This same disease took the life of her mother years before and left her to this world an orphan. Unfortunately, this girl represents an all too common story in the city of Mseleni in the KwaZulu-Natal region, which has the highest HIV rates in all of South Africa.
Children In Need
HIV/AIDS has created a global crisis. In 2006 alone, over 40 million people were known to be HIV-positive and over 4 million people died of AIDS (Avert). The magnitude of the global AIDS crisis continues to devastate the lives of vulnerable children. In 2006, over 2 million children were living with HIV/AIDS (Avert), and most all these children were living in developing nations. Projections suggest that by 2010 over 1 million children will have died from AIDS worldwide (UNICEF).
What can be done for these children?
Highest HIV Rate: Mseleni, South Africa
The most successful approach to the global AIDS crisis is at the community level, where education, prevention, and intervention are tailored to the local context. In particular, proper treatment of HIV-positive mothers is extremely effective in preventing infection of their infants.
What is the INMED CARE for Kids Initiative?
CARE for Kids is INMED's initiative to combat HIV among children like Kisizi. CARE stands for Community AIDS Relief Effort. The first site of CARE for Kids is in the region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, home to arguably the highest concentration of HIV in the entire world. Thirty-nine of every 100 people are infected, including 33 of every 100 pregnant women. 400,000 AIDS orphans reside in the KwaZulu-Natal region and AIDS is the leading cause of death in children under age of 5 years (Kaiser Foundation, 2005).
What will the CARE for Kids Initiative do?
Mseleni's Dr. Victor Fredlund
INMED is partnering with Mseleni Hospital, led by Dr. Victor Fredlund - South Africa's 2003 Rural Doctor of the Year. INMED will assist this state-of-the-art facility in it's HIV efforts to:
- Survey and Monitor
- Educate and Increase Awareness
- Test and Counsel
- Treat and Comfort
- Provide Social Assistance
- Train national and expatriate Health Professionals
What can I do to support CARE for Kids?
Protecting children from HIV in South Africa depends on us all. Phase One of CARE for Kids is a $90,000 project incorporating all of the above components. Join in the effort by:
- Telling your friends and family about CARE for Kids
- Requesting a CARE for Kids representative to speak at your church, organization, or school.
- Organizing a CARE for Kids informational and/or fundraising event, with assistance provided by INMED.
- Participating in the Collective Change Campaign. Challenge your school, church or business to fill an INMED-supplied jar with loose change.
- Making a cash or non-cash donation to support CARE for Kids. Non-cash gifts may be any variety of items, including stock and mutual funds, vehicles, boats, RV's, jewelry, collectables, business inventory, real estate, estate gifts, retirement plans, life insurance, and personal property. Your personal assets can make an enormous improvement in the lives of children in South Africa.
For more information about these opportunities, please contact Micah Flint, INMED Chief Programs Officer, at 816-444-6400 or micah@inmed.us. Or make your pledge below.
Give Hope!
The HIV crisis in South Africa is not doomed, as some have declared. But children like Kisizi are depending on substantial assistance to survive. Please join INMED as we lock arms together to provide truly effective help and hope to these precious, vulnerable children.
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| EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT FOR 2008 EXPLORING MED MISSIONS CONFERENCE |
The 2008 Exploring Medical Missions Conference is hosted this year by the Institute for International Medicine, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Foundation, Research Medical Center, St Luke's Health System, the University of Kansas School of Medicine Department of Infectious Diseases, and the University of Missouri School of Medicine International Medicine Program. The Conference will be held on May 30-31, 2008, at the University Center, 5100 Rockhill Road, on the Main Campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City MO 64110-2499.
Held at the University Center, 5100 Rockhill Road, on the Main Campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City MO 64110-2499
2008 Conference Theme: Launching Into Medical Missions
This year's theme: Launching Into Med Missions
Most health professionals contemplate international service and are inspired by the prospects. Yet few are confident about where to begin. This year's Conference will equip health professionals with the necessary professional, cross-cultural and personal skills. It will also provide guidelines for career decisions, including how to select a sending organization and a community in which to serve. Participants will have ample chance to network with medical mission organizations about specific opportunities.
Three Years & Running...
350 participants attended the May 2007 Exploring Medical Missions conference held on the main campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. They included some 120 physicians, 146 nurses, 34 medical and nursing students and 50 others including pharmacists, dentists, therapists, and physician's assistants. Attendees came from twenty-seven states and represented 13 nationalities. In addition, 16 organizations exhibited and provided specific opportunities for attendees to volunteer in international medicine.
23 Featured Speakers, Including...
- Daniel Hinthorn, MD, Chief of Infectious Diseases at Kansas University Medical Center
- Patrick Railey, MD, of Operation Mobilization (OM) Medical Ministries
- Karen Herrera, RN, of Health Care Ministries (AG)
- Brent Hambrick, MD, of MedMissions, Honduras
- Jean Fields, RN, of the Research College of Nursing
- Anil Cherian, MD, MPH, of Emmanuel Hospital Association in NE India
Objectives
350 health professionals attend 2007 conference
At the completion of this conference participants will understand:
- How to prepare themselves for international service with professional, cross-cultural and personally skills
- How to choose a sending organization and select a community to serve
- The greatest issues in world health today
- The diagnosis and management of common diseases of poverty
- The principles of cross-cultural adaptation and communication
- The health interventions that are most appropriate for resource-poor nations
Register Now & Save!
Early registration allows a substantial discount over the regular conference price. This conference will help participants make sound decisions surrounding medical missions, and also connect them with the best sending organizations. Please bring a friend!
Call For Nominations: 2008 International Medicine Awards
The story of medical missions is highlighted by individuals who inspire their colleagues towards similar selfless service. At the 2008 Exploring Medical Missions Conference INMED will present two awards:
- 2008 International Medicine Award
- 2008 Fight Against HIV Award
The International Medicine Award will be given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to health in developing nations. The Fight Against HIV Award will similarly be given to a leader controlling HIV in developing nations. INMED is now accepting nominations for both awards. To nominate for either award, please download the following Word document, enter the requested information, and e-mail the document to the INMED office.
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