Medicalmissions.com Podcast

There are 65 million refugees and internally displaced people in the world today. This session will address the refugee crisis both globally and locally. We will discuss the refugee resettlement process to the United States and, more specifically, to Louisville, Kentucky. Who are the refugees coming to Louisville? What are the major health issues they bring with them and challenges they face post-migration. As healthcare providers, how can we provide holistic care that addresses all aspects of the person?

For over 5 years, unrest in Syria has resulted in the death of over 450,000 individuals, and has displaced more than 10 million refugees both internally and externally. Many of these refugees have been forced to reside in Jordan, either in the subpar conditions of refugee camps or within the shadows of remote Jordanian cities. After participating in a medical mission trip with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), I was fortunate enough to see a glimpse of the lives of these refugees. Join me as I reflect on my recent mission trip and attempt to explore some of the different aspects of the Syrian’s lives that have been influenced by the conflict. We will end the session with an open Q&A.

Malaria affects an estimated 300-600 million people a year around the world with around 1500 cases of malaria brought back to the US each year. This session will focus on the current treatment and symptom control of malaria around the world and in the US. Current research on prevention and vaccine development will also be discussed.

This session will focus on the history, symptoms and treatment of Zika. Most of the talk will be focused on the recent outbreak, symptoms to watch for, personal protection, transmission and currently available treatments. We will also take a look at medications and vaccines currently undergoing investigation for the treatment of Zika.

If you are ministering in a Muslim community, it is imperative to understand the cultural implications of Islam. This session will address those implications from a speaker that grew up in those communities.

This brief educational breakout session will discuss issues in dysphagia (swallowing disorders) within the acute-care setting. Common and complex dysphagia presentations will be discussed through cases across Cameroon and Kenya. Learners will be exposed to a basic swallowing screening protocol, low-resource dysphagia management and techniques to reduce aspiration pneumonia, as well as basic swallow management for complex anatomy such as cleft-lip/palate.

In our context in rural Kenya the vast majority of people we interact with self-identify as Christians. However, when asked to define and explain the gospel, there is often a lack of understanding of the depth and richness of God’s grace; coupled with a strong emphasis on keeping the law (legalism). In some individuals there is such an emphasis on legalism that legitimate questions arise regarding their relationship with Christ. As Christians we are called to share our joys and sorrows with each other. And to share, confess and repent (in community) of the many ways in which we evidence unbelief. It is so very tempting to hide the issues with which we struggle, so that others view us in a good “light”. We have found that as the depth and power of the Gospel is explored with trainees, it is crucial to model transparency and our own personal need for daily repentance.

Community Health Evangelism (CHE) is a breakthrough mission strategy that seamlessly integrates evangelism and discipleship with disease prevention and community-based development. Through these ministries people become followers of Jesus, churches are planted, and entire communities are lifted out of cycles of poverty and disease.

Serving is sacred work, with power, grace, and humility from the Spirit – small tasks done with love. According to Mother Teresa, we are touching the body of Christ, even though they may be covered with dirt, maggots, and wounds (Poplin, 2008).

This presentation is for those working in a mission hospital which has no ethical review process in place for potential research involving humans. Mission hospitals (and Christians everywhere) should have the highest ethical standards when involving patients and others in research.

Come dig into the hearts and minds of the Next Generation Leaders so we can best create opportunities to meet their lives up with the Mission of Jesus

The ability to prevent and respond to human disasters and the acute needs of displaced persons has now become an essential competency for healthcare personnel. This session addresses the common conflicts surrounding care for complex human emergencies and the principals of both acute relief and of longer-term resettlement. This presentation makes use of interactive role-play and small group exercises will enhance the learning experience.

Values and assumptions vary widely from culture to culture. This gives rise to potential conflicts and barriers in the communication process. This session looks at those North American Values and Assumptions which can create misunderstandings, damage relationships, and even pose significant danger in the delivery of medical treatment in a cross cultural context.

What are the answers to the ten most common questions those considering missionary service most commonly ask? From, "How to know God's will?" to "How to pick a missionary organization? and from "What about raising my kids overseas? to "How do I avoid burnout?" this talk will deal give you the answers.

We will discuss the essential of any research project in a low-middle income country including planning a research project, seeking funding, ethical considerations and ethical approval, financial hurdles, cross-cultural challenges, evaluation of the project and publication considerations.

Abstract: Faith-based medical ministries have substantial opportunities to improve healthcare through biomedical research. Success typically requires collaboration between national, organizational, and expert stakeholders. In this session practical aspects of developing a collaborative research program will be discussed.

Provides a brief overview of the most common surgical problems by region. Cases will be discussed that are unique to each region, with emphasis on presentation and treatment options in resource poor environments.

Your planning to serve but fun raising scares you to death or you have done this before and you hated it because it didn't go well or fast. This session will teach you how to raise your support and enjoy it. It will also teach you how to communicate effectively to cast your vision and inspire others to participate in the Great Commission.

"Holistic Health" is a frequently used term in medical missions, but what does it mean? And how do we accomplish it? Drawing on the speaker's experience, case studies will illustrate lessons learned to make holistic health practical and to emulate Jesus, the Great Physician.

How do you keep up with the demands of ministry while balancing the needs of family, not to mention your own needs?How do you keep doing more with less?How do you protect yourself from burnout while advocating for the least of these?How do you establish boundaries without neglecting the needs of your community? These are some of the questions Dr. Thomas hopes to explore as he shares lessons from the field. He serves as the Medical Director at Dayspring Family Health Center and co-pastors a local church, answering a call to serve vulnerable and marginalized communities. He is married and has three teenage children. Serving his family and discipling his children are some of his top priorities. Despite the busyness and numerous challenges of ministry and family life, he continues to learn the importance of balance, boundaries, and rest. If you are experiencing burnout or having a difficult time keeping “afloat”, this session may give you some insights on how to maneuver through the ups and downs of missional