international volunteer work?

[shehak20000]

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Hi all,

I was just wondering what volunteer organizations generally took PM&R doctors.....(hoping to go into pediatric PM&R, so that works too)! I was just wondering because it seems like doctors without borders doesn't take PM&R docs cuz they do relief work just after an emergency and things like that, so they don't, or if they do it is rare, to take a PM&R doctor. What types of organizations do take PM&R docs, and if you have the links, that would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[shehak20000]

Hi all,

I was just wondering what volunteer organizations generally took PM&R doctors.....(hoping to go into pediatric PM&R, so that works too)! I was just wondering because it seems like doctors without borders doesn't take PM&R docs cuz they do relief work just after an emergency and things like that, so they don't, or if they do it is rare, to take a PM&R doctor. What types of organizations do take PM&R docs, and if you have the links, that would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

anyone know?

 

[axm397]

anyone know?

RIC sent ppl to Haiti on a mission trip - took wheel chairs and other equipment there. Some RIC docs went after hurricane Katrina to help with the disabled population down there. Also would think in any war-torn countries with traumatic amputations will need physiatrists.

 

[melancholy]

RIC sent ppl to Haiti on a mission trip - took wheel chairs and other equipment there. Some RIC docs went after hurricane Katrina to help with the disabled population down there. Also would think in any war-torn countries with traumatic amputations will need physiatrists.

Charles Knoll (RIC trained) led a team from Johns Hopkins down to Pakistan in Dec. 2005 to aid with rehab issues of many victims from the earthquake back in Oct. 2005.

Barbara de Lateur also makes a trip down to Tanzania and east Africa each summer and takes along a resident or two to help with her efforts there.

 

[rehabmd]

Try contacting pediatric orthopedic groups at large academic centers-virtually all of them have groups going abroad. There are several polio, cerebral palsy camps in South America, India, China that recruit orthopedists, orthotists, prosthetists, and physiatrists. Contact Rotary Club or look at their website.

 

[DistantMets]

University of Michigan PM&R has an active group going to Africa. If you want to do mainly rehab work there are probably only a handful of RICs and Michigans out there. I found during my recent trip to Kenya (with Ohio U.)that most of the diseases you see are rare to see in the US, so even FP and IM docs had to crack the books. I wouldn't limit yourself just because you're a physiatrist. You're the best they've got and you received great training as a physician. For instance, I delivered a baby with a retired surgeon. I plan to go back to Kenya even as a physiatrist and continue to treat malaria, typhoid etc. I plan to bring more supplies for the stroke and polio patients I saw that needed bracing etc. I did a lot of manipulation and joint injections for pain. It's incredibly humbling and gratifying, I would definitely pursue it. PM me and I'll give you some info on the group I went with.