Choosing to go overseas for a medical mission is a great decision. You get the chance to touch the lives of people who may not have had access to quality healthcare and, at the same time, travel and learn more.
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that in 2021, roughly 4.5 billion people lacked access to essential health services. Imagine the changes in terms you could make as a medic serving these regions. Access? Awareness? Building local capacities? All that’s a possibility.
But despite your goodwill and the desire to change the world, overseas medical missions aren’t an easy walk-in-treat-walk-out-a-hero affair. Challenges abound.
This article is going to prepare you for some of these obstacles and the strategies you may put into practice to overcome them.
Adapting to Different Healthcare Systems
There’s no standard medical system. In places like the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare that’s largely free at the point of use for all UK residents. In countries like Japan, all residents must have health insurance.
The same applies to some of the regions you may go to for your overseas medical mission work. So, before you go all out, research. Find out the systems and protocols in the country of interest. After researching online, ask those who’ve been there for a while.
Keep an open mind. Let them tell you more about their ways. And as always, be ready to learn. These simple moves can go a long way in preparing yourself for the world of medical mission work overseas.
If you still find it difficult, you may look into the facts of Medical Aid missions or those of similar organizations for guidance on how to navigate your medical mission work abroad.
Cultural and Language Barriers
Language differences are barriers that can seriously affect patient communication and make it harder to understand their needs. In relation to these, there may be cultural differences that you need to be aware of.
For example, in many Asian and African cultures, there’s a profound respect for elders. So, you may find that patients defer decision-making to older family members. Or, maybe you’ll encounter famed traditional healers who may vehemently oppose your medical input. These challenges are pretty likely, so you must go in prepared.
It also helps to invest time in learning basic phrases in the local language before your departure. Also, familiarize yourself with cultural norms and practices to avoid misunderstandings. Furthermore, going for local translators can be a lifesaver in complex medical situations.
Limited Resources and Equipment
Let’s face it—some of the places you may end up practicing in may not be too privileged in terms of equipment and resources. The UN estimates that roughly 70% of medical equipment that developed countries send to low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) doesn’t work in hospitals.
Blame it on the lack of trained personnel, lack of support for the equipment, poor infrastructure overall, and the lack of spare parts. This dire state may be quite a shock to your system, especially if you come from a place with way better resources.
A good tip for this? Adapt. Learn how to make do with what’s there. Where you can improvise, put your ingenuity to work. It also helps to research the specific needs of the area before you board the plane (or ship). If possible, carry some essential supplies with you.
Emotional and Physical Stress
Burnout is common in all professions. You, as a medical professional, are no exception. The intensity of working in unfamiliar, often demanding environments may take a toll on your mental and physical health.
The best way to work this out? Start by acknowledging the fact that you’ll encounter stress. Afterwards, work on a support system. Your peers and mentors within the mission and back home? That’s a great place to start.
Also, sleep enough and stick to a balanced diet where you can. Taking care of yourself isn’t a selfish affair. It’s necessary for providing the best care to others.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
The ultimate goal of your mission should be to leave a lasting, positive impact on the community of which you’re honored to be a part. So, collaborate with local health workers to know their pain points and train them in essential skills.
But don’t stop at that. The community needs you, too. Use your knowledge to promote health education and, where possible, establish follow-up programs that can ensure continuity of care even after your mission ends.
Final Thoughts
Going for an overseas medical mission could be quite rewarding, but as this article shows you, it’s not a straightforward, easy affair. There are challenges, but there are also ways to overcome them and even grow from them.
Use these tips to improve your stay over there. And above all, prioritize the input of entities with expertise in medical missions abroad when making your choices. They can go a long way in giving you the best experience out there.
Hi, I’m the Founder and Developer of Paramedics World, a blog truly devoted to Paramedics. I am a Medical Lab Tech, a Web Developer and Bibliophiliac. My greatest hobby is to teach and motivate other peoples to do whatever they wanna do in life.