September 2000 • Volume 6 • Number 9
Get on board to practice abroad
BY CINDY McCANSE
You don't have to join the Navy to see the world. If you have a hankering to travel, why not give it an altruistic bent? Opportunities to practice international medicine are out there, according to the presenters of a workshop, "International Medicine: Career and Service Opportunities," at the Aug. 2-6 National Conference of Family Practice Residents and Medical Students in Kansas City, Mo.
Ariel Cole, M.D., and Kira Zwygart, M.D., both of the Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency in Orlando, spoke about their experiences providing medical care in other countries.
First of all, said Cole, don't do it for the wrong reasons. "Don't think you're going to go in there to 'show 'em how it's done,'" she admonished. "And don't view it as an opportunity to try a procedure or equipment that you wouldn't do here." It's not a vacation, either, she added. You go expecting to work -- and work hard.
Cole listed personal attributes essential to a successful stint as an international physician, including flexibility, creativity and humor. Good interpersonal skills are a must, she said, to communicate effectively with patients and the colleagues you'll be working alongside. The language barrier shouldn't necessarily put you off. She asked, "Are you good at charades?"
Zwygart discussed funding opportunities available to medical students and residents wanting to make an international contribution. Some pharmaceutical firms offer financing for such endeavors, she noted, but check regulations to ensure that you're not in violation of state law by accepting industry support.
"Look to your community first," Zwygart advised. Cole agreed, adding that you'll often be surprised by just how willing local businesses and individuals are to help.
But nothing, of course, can happen if you don't know where to go to find out -- well -- where to go. Fortunately, there are online resources to help (see box below).
Once you've finalized your destination and made your funding arrangements, said Cole, the rest is pretty obvious: Get your shots, read up on where you're going ahead of time, and, once you get there, don't go into areas where you shouldn't be.
Despite the hardships, Cole said, it's an experience you don't want to miss.
"You'll gain an appreciation for how blessed we are. We're brought up with food and clothing and health care. A lot of people around the world don't have that," she said.
Where in the world ... ?
- The International Medical Volunteers Association at http://www.imva.org
- International Health Electives Web Page at http://www.amsa.org/resource/intl/intlintro.html
- Diversion Magazine Web Page at http://diversionmag.com
FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department.
Copyright © 2000 by American Academy of Family Physicians.
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