Podcast

The principles of abdominal surgery are not different in Africa, but the presentation, available diagnostic tools and frequency of certain etiologies is significantly different. The approach and therapy of peptic ulcer disease, small bowel obstruction, large bowel obstruction and parasitic disease in the abdomen will be the primary diseases discussed.

Endoscopists in the global South face common challenges including limited training opportunities and poor access to equipment and repair facilities. Despite these challenges therapeutic endoscopy creates dramatic improvements in patient outcomes in resource-constrained settings. Strategies for implementing, growing, and sustaining endoscopy services – including the role of short-term partners - will be discussed.

Cross-cultural medical workers are under multiple levels of stress peculiar to their professional roles.
They often serve as mental health resources to colleagues and other cross-cultural workers, have difficulty limiting the hours of work with minimal reprieve for rest and restoration.
This session will focus on cognitive and behavioral tools that can improve mental and emotional self-care.

This session will discuss the role of women in health care missions today. It will include examples and personal stories that will encourage expanded vision and new perspectives on opportunities and needs.

Single medical professionals are resilient in a cross-cultural setting and have the opportunity to be highly effective in service. The greatest challenges impact the personal home life of the individual. Applications to increase resiliency in the personal life will be explored with attention given to the relational and sexual domains of life. The workshop will include a presentation followed by designated time to pose questions and dialogue about the material.