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Al Aim, United Arab Emirates
Summary
Macau is located just west of Hong Kong on the southern tip of China. Though a modern, industrialized city, many people of working class have little access to medical care. Hope Medical Group provides a full-service clinic staffed by American physicians. They are assisted by Chinese family medicine residents who are training at Hope Medical Group.
Visiting medical students and residents can function in English, with translation provided. Housing is available within the clinic complex. In addition to work at the clinic, students may also participate in mobile clinics that are held in the factories and casinos of Macau. The ministry was begun by Bill Swan, MD, in 1980 while Macau was still a Portuguese colony.
LocationAl Ain, translated "The Spring," is located in the southeastern part of United Arab Emirates. This rather wealthy country is situated just southwest of Saudi Arabia and bordered by the Gulf of Oman. The city of 350,000 is modern, with 2 shopping malls, movie theaters, abundant restaurants, and entertainment including movie theaters and camel riding. An international church is present in the city. The cool season, when a jacket may be required, lasts from October through April.
TransportationInternational travelers should fly into either the city of Dubai or the capital city of Abu Dhabi. Airfare from the United States is usually about $1,200. The hospital is about a two-hour drive from either city.
Visa RequirementAmericans may obtain a tourist visa when they arrive at the airport in the United Arab Emirates. It is valid for 30 days, and may be renewed for an additional 30 days. For additional information, please visit the UAE embassy website at: www.uae-embassy.org
Traveler's Health & SafetyPlease check the CDC travel website for the most up-to-date health information: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. Dr. Liddle particularly recommends typhoid vaccination prior to arrival.
Visitors are advised to regularly check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information regarding travel advisories: http://www.state.gov/travel. Visitors are advised to regularly check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information regarding country specific travel information http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
FacilityOasis Hospital was started in 1960 by an American physician with TEAM - The Evangelical Alliance Mission, at the personal invitation of the Royal Family of the United Arab Emirates. From its humble beginnings chiefly as a maternity center, the Oasis Hospital has grow to a state of the art facility with 150 beds, serving 50,000 outpatients and 1,800 deliveries each year. Most of the normal deliveries by performed by midwives. The Caesarian section rate is about 15 percent. The women usually do prefer a female but generally if there is a problem and the male doctor is the one on call or is needed, then they will agree. Oasis has modern radiology equipment, a full service laboratory, and is installing an electronic medical record system. Oasis Hospital is governed by a Board of Directors from the Al Aim community.
PatientsThe patients represent a wide variety of backgrounds, including local citizens who are often educated, and foreign workers of a lesser economic status. Diabetes is extremely common. HIV and malaria are encountered only infrequently.
Medical StaffThe medical staff includes two family physicians, three internists, three pediatricians, five obstetricians, two general surgeons, one urologist, one radiologist, and one pathologist. The physician staff represents a wide variety of nationalities, some of whom have trained in the United States. The medical director, Larry Liddle M.D., is a board certified family physician from Kansas City.
Language RequirementMost patients speak English, as do all the physicians and hospital staff. Translation is available for those patients who do not speak English.
Student ExperienceAbout three medical students come to Oasis Hospital for training each year. Clinical responsibilities will normally include outpatient clinic, inpatient care, obstetrics, and surgery. Students are constantly under the guidance of a staff physician.
Student LodgingStudents are usually housed in one of the residences located in the hospital complex. Meals are available at the hospital cafeteria. Most students, however, prefer to buy their own groceries at a nearby grocery store and prepare meals for themselves. The hospital has a swimming pool available for visiting students and other staff. Telephone and Internet services are also available through the hospital.
Facility SupportINMED invites all participants to consider raising extra funds to donate to support the facility. This is not required but allows INMED participants to become involved in every aspect of medical missions.
DressMen are expected to wear a dress shirt and tie. A lab coat is optional. Women may wear slacks, but the top must cover their hips. Skirts should extend to the mid calf.
More InformationFor more information, please visit the Oasis Hospital web site: www.oasishospital.org