Humanitarian work?

Started by darmalee
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darmalee

darmalee

Full Member
15+ Year Member
How hard is if for doctors working in a hospital setting to be able to take some time away from the hospital to do humanitarian work? Is it something that would be possible on a regular basis, like yearly? Just a curiousity I had. It's something I would be extremely interested in doing, and just wanted to know if it would even be possible.
 
darmalee said:
How hard is if for doctors working in a hospital setting to be able to take some time away from the hospital to do humanitarian work? Is it something that would be possible on a regular basis, like yearly? Just a curiousity I had. It's something I would be extremely interested in doing, and just wanted to know if it would even be possible.
Click to expand...

Check out Doctor's Without Borders.
 
nontradfogie said:
Check out Doctor's Without Borders.
Click to expand...

I looked at that, but I couldn't figure out if that was a full time sort of thing, or if it was something where you put yourself as available to be called away from your normal doctor job when needed. Anyone know?
 
I am by no means an expert on this area--but to throw in my two cents...

I think it can be difficult, but as long as you are committed, you can make it happen. I know of several doctors (who work at religiously-affiliated hospitals) who go yearly to foreign countries to serve the poor; they have funding for such trips. [I actually know some volunteers who went on a medical mission trips to Peru and Haiti through Mercy Hospital in Baltimore; they had amazing experiences.] Opportunities do exist, but you have to search them out. If they don't exist, you can try to search out funding to start your own trips.

Also, there are a lot of opportunities locally for serving the poor (Medical Outreach Vans, free clinics). It's not as 'glamorous' as traveling to a foreign country, but there is a need. If you are not able to go yearly on foreign missions, it would be a good way to supplement your outreach to underserved populations in "off years."
 
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Here are the basic requirements for joining MSF in the field.
  • At least 2 years of professional experience
    For physicians, completion of residency.
  • Physicians: Availability for a minimum of 6 months
    With the exception of surgeons and anesthesiologists, who may be accepted for shorter assignments.
  • All other professions: Availability for a minimum of 6 to 12 months, with preference for those available for 9 to 12 months
  • No recent gap in clinical experience greater than 2 years
  • Language skills are considered a major asset
  • Relevant travel or work outside the United States
  • Flexibility
from http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/work/field/recruitment.cfm
 
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