Overview
Annoor Sanatorium is the Middle East’s referral center for lung diseases. This forty-bed facility is frequented by patients suffering from multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectatsis, and congestive heart failure. It also offers pediatric care and serves large numbers of malnourished children from Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
While patients normally speak Arabic, INMED students can function in English with translation provided by hospital staff. Responsibilities include inpatient and outpatient care, under the supervision of six American and European trained physicians. The hospital provides housing at no charge, and offers meals at minimal cost to INMED students. Visitors to Annoor may also enjoy the nearby historic city of Petra.
Location Information
Location & Community
“Annoor” in Arabic means “the light.” Annoor Sanatorium is located in the city of Mafraq, in the northern part Jordan. “Mafraq” means “crossroads,” and indeed Mafraq is located at the intersection of the road leading from Jerusalem to Damascus and the road from Tel Aviv to Baghdad. Given the key location, many military campaigns have used Mafraq as a base of operation, including those of Lawrence of Arabia.
Become familiar with Jordanian culture, history and economy by reviewing the Wikipedia Jordan Profile. Rich resources for Jordan health information include the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation IHME Jordan Country Profile and the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory Jordan Data.
People Served
Given it’s excellent reputation, people come to Mafraq Hospital from all over the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. In addition to TB, many patients suffer from asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectatsis, and congestive heart failure. Those with TB normally are housed near the hospital for 2-3 month during the initial phase of treatment.
Languages
Arabic is the official language of Jordan. Medical students and residents will able to work in English, with translation provided by a hospital staff person. Occasional patients speak English.
Healthcare Facilities
Mafraq Hospital is primarily a chest disease center and the only site for treatment of multi-drug resistant TB in the Middle East. The facility normally has about 40 inpatients. Mafraq Hospital does not offer surgery or obstetrics, but has an active pediatric practice, including many children with failure to thrive.
Healthcare Profession Staff
The medical staff of Annoor Sanatorium generally consists of six physicians at any one time. Nationalities include those from American Germany, Korea, The Netherlands, and Syria. Most of the nursing staff is Jordanian.
Facility Support
INMED invites all participants to consider raising extra funds to financially support this facility. While such efforts are not required, they provide opportunity for INMED learners to become involved in this important aspect of international healthcare.
Communication
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Travel and Logistics
Visa Matters
For current information please visit the United States embassy website appropriate for one’s home nationality.
Traveler's Health & Safety
Travelers should consult with a personal physician before embarking. All routine vaccinations must be up to date. Refer to the CDC travel website for the most up-to-date health information.
Travelers are advised to refer to the United States State Department website for the most up-to-date general travel information, and to regularly view current travel advisories.
Learners Experience
Two to three medical students have come to work at Mafraq Hospital each year for about the last forty years. Clinical responsibilities will normally include daily outpatient clinic, inpatient rounds two or three times each week, and didactic sessions with the attending physicians. Students are constantly under the guidance of an attending physician. Previous INMED Learners who served at this training site include these Graduates.
Transportation
Visitors should flying into Aman, Jordan. Most flights arrive at night, but visitors should make every effort to arrive during the day. In this way, someone from the hospital will be able to meet you at the airport more easily. The drive to the hospital is two hours, and there is also taxi service that can take you to the hospital for about $40. The airport tax when leaving Jordan is $8.
Lodging & Meals
Visiting students and residents are housed in the hospital guesthouse. A large meal is provided by the hospital at noon each day. The Hospital has Internet access and telephone service.
Behavior & Dress
This is a Moslem culture, so clothing may be a sensitive issue. Women may wear pants. Skirts should be mid-shin to ankle length. Shirt sleeves should be below the elbows.
Recreation
The resort city of Petra is located about a four hour drive from Mafraq. It is home to the World Heritage Site, where several scenes from the Indiana Jones movies were filmed. Petra has movies, shopping and restaurants. One should plan to spend about $300 for a weekend visit to Petra.
What to Pack
Visitors should bring copies of all healthcare profession licenses, diplomas, or certifications. A carry-on bag should be packed that contains essentials items just in case one’s luggage becomes lost. Bring clothes appropriate for the weather.