FAQ for medical students

How much experience in tropical medicine do I really need?

This will depend on your specific mission. Some missions focus on one disease, such as a TB program or a sleeping sickness program, where you will become very familiar with that particular disease. Of course you will not be treating this disease exclusively, so the more you know about what is endemic to that region, the better. MSF has a medical library where you can access standard reference books, such as Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, the Merck Manual, Nelson's Pediatrics, and Manson's Tropical Medicine. MSF also has their own publications which are practical and to-the-point. These resources can help you with specific situations such as dealing with measles or a meningitis epidemic.

How can I gain practical experience which will be helpful on an MSF mission?

Electives in tropical medicine, infectious diseases, community health, work in a travel clinic, are a good place to start. Overseas electives will give you some idea of what to expect, although you may be working under completely different conditions on your mission. On most MSF missions in tropical areas or malaria endemic areas, a sound knowledge of malaria is essential.

Do you have to be an expert on a specific topic to work with MSF?

No, you are briefed and given information on your mission before you leave, so you often have some time to do specific reading before leaving. Some missions such as nutritional missions have specific protocols which you follow. MSF has extensive literature on nutrition, which is available on the mission. As the doctor, you have to make decisions about treating associated medical conditions, and for this you need a general medical background. You also have backup, firstly if you are working with other medical people on your mission, (lab techs, nurses and doctors) then with your Medical Coordinator, and finally with the Medical department, the experts in Europe, who are specialists in nutrition, malaria, etc. Also the local medical staff hired by MSF will know a lot about endemic diseases.

What are the main diseases you treat on an MSF mission?

This will depend on where you are and what is endemic in that area. However, in general you will be dealing mostly with malaria, parasitic diseases, diarrheal illnesses, fevers of unknown origin and respiratory infections, and programs such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Another good thing to brush up on are the childhood diseases and vaccinations, as well as malnutrition as this is also a big part of MSF work.

Aside from the medical training, what else can I do to prepare myself for an MSF mission?

Be aware of the limitations of medical delivery services in developing countries, the politics involved, social conditions limiting education and access to medical care. Read, read, read!!! MSF sites are a good resource for this, as well as other NGO and relief web sites. Please see out links to public health, epidemiology, journals and NGO sites listed on this web site.

Will I be the only doctor or medical person on my first mission?

You may well be on an isolated mission, days and miles away from another doctor or medical person, or you may be working with a retired doctor with a lifetime of experience. Each mission is different and has specific challenges.

Upcoming Recruitment Info Sessions

Online Webinar
Date: February 16, 2012 at 1:00pm (Eastern Time)
Location: On Line
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Quebec, QC
Date: February 29, 2012 at 7:00pm
Location: Studio P
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Sherbrooke, QC
Date: March 8th, 2012 at 7:00pm
Location: Cegep de Sherbrooke
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Toronto, ON
Date: March 14th, 2012 at 7:00pm
Location: Friend's House
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Montreal, QC
Date: March 21st, 2012 at 7:00pm
Location: Y des Femmes de Montreal
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Medical Staff Needed For Global Emergencies

Jean Stowell talks about her work as a midwife for MSF

MSF project coordinator Oonagh Curry in Sudan

More

RSS – MSF feed containing news releases, website updates, vacancies, and events

MSF PODCASTS – Podcasts from MSF missions around the world

FIELD BLOGS – Personal stories of our volunteers working in the field

BULLETIN BOARD – Discussion fora, job postings, and events

MSF ASSOCIATION – Intranet for MSF Association members