// Posts Tagged ‘Global health’
| July 4, 2008 | to | July 6, 2008 |
The AMSA GHC is fast approaching. It is shaping up to be a great event and one not to be missed! - visit http://amsa.org.au/ghc2008/ for more details.
Registration will open for the 4th Annual AMSA Global Health Conference on Monday March 31 at 10pm AEST.
Last year in Adelaide, the Conference sold out in less than 12 hours. This year, with fewer than 400 positions available Australia-wide, it is likely that they won’t even last that long!
Conference registration and accommodation prices are once again low.
Four-day conference pass - $130
Includes Thurday’s workshop program and three-day social and academic conference pass.
Four-day academic and accommodation pass - $290
Includes all the above plus accommodation for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
March 12th, 2008
- Maintain your enthusiasm!
- join Global HOME, attend motivational speeches from those recently returned form working in the developing world
- Don’t lose your vision on graduation
- work in the field, learn what specific skills and knowledge you need to gain, and come back and equip yourself eg Masters in International Public Health, Diploma in Tropical Health
- Go and find out
- even if it’s just a short trip or an overseas elective, whet your appetite early
February 9th, 2008
 No conference on the developing world would be complete without an address from Dr Rowan Gillies, who has worked with MSF in countries such as Sudan, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone. Dr Gillies was president of MSF Australia in 2002 and then international president from 2004, at age 33, until this year.
MSF is an independent international medical relief organisation that aids victims of armed conflict, epidemics, natural and man-made disasters, and others who lack health care due to geographic remoteness or ethnic marginalisation. MSF is an independent organisation, with more than 85% of funding from private rather than government sources. The intent of MSF is to be apolitical, however as Dr Gillies pointed out, the results of their presence are often very political, as the very fact that they have to be there often exposes failed government systems. MSF act impartially – just as we don’t ask patients in Sydney who they vote for before supplying treatment, nor do MSF care which “side” the people it treats are on. This neutrality makes MSF unique, allowing it access to areas other NGOs cannot go. MSF doctors however do have a responsibility to describe what they see.
Dr Gillies had some touching insights into his journey from intern to international president. On reflecting on his intern year, Gillies said he had been warned about feeling tired and stressed, and how his interest levels might wane at times. However no one had warned him that humanity fluctuates as well. His advice was to be aware that this happens, recognise it and deal with it. He urged young doctors to remember the importance of the event of being sick and in hospital to the patient compared to the importance of the event to you. Even though the patient is just one of thirty you may have had to see that day, it is important to retain your humanity and remember the privilege of being involved with a person at such a pivotal time in their life.
Dr Gillies’ reflections of the importance of humanity no doubt stem from his numerous experiences with conflict, death and inhumanity in the field, and reinforce the point that working in the developing world can very much improve your practice as a doctor at home. When asked what he felt the sacrifices of working with MSF had been, Dr Gillies reminded us that being a consultant does not necessarily have to be the pinnacle of every medical career. And if you take the time out to work overseas the end difference could be as little as being a consultant for 25 years instead of 27 years, which at the end of the day is hardly a sacrifice when you consider all that can be learned and given through working with those in less fortunate circumstances than the majority of Australians.
February 9th, 2008
In the year of the fortieth anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and in a week during which the Howard government, after years of neglect, announced a radical action plan for remote Aboriginal communities, it was very fitting that the opening plenary session of the AMSA Developing World Conference 2007 addressed the crisis in indigenous health. Dr David Scrimgeour, a medical graduate from Melbourne University with over thirty years experience in both remote and urban Aboriginal health, gave a frank and often critical account of government approach to indigenous issues, as well as his recommendations for improving the health of indigenous Australians.
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Dr Scrimgeour outlined the evolution of government policy towards indigenous Australians, from the early “smooth the dying pillow” approach, to an assimilation policy responsible for the Stolen Generation, to the birth of self-determination, land rights and the establishment of the first community-controlled health service in Redfern in 1971 during the Whitlam years, ending finally in the Howard government approach of “practical” rather than “symbolic” reconciliation. This approach heralded an increased emphasis on mutual obligation and shared responsibility and a gradual dismantling of Aboriginal self-determination, evidenced by the end of ATSIC for example.
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Dr Scrimgeour compared the state of indigenous health in Australia to that of New Zealand, Canada and the United States, who have managed to close the gap in life expectancy to three or four years, compared to the seventeen years that remains in our country. He pointed out the main difference between those three countries and our own is a consistent approach to self-determination, through the establishment of formal treaties, recognising the traditional owners of the land. The link between self-determination and health is clear, with a recent study from Canada for example showing an inverse relationship between youth suicide and indicators of self-determination. Howard’s pursuit of practical reconciliation rather than a formal treaty or apology will provide an ongoing barrier to improvements in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginals.    Â
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The recent announcement of the government’s response to the Little Children Are Sacred report on child sex abuse in remote communities will ensure 2007 is remembered as an end of an era in Aboriginal policy, according to Dr Scrimgeour. This inappropriate response to a horrific problem will only result in increased disempowerment, increased urban drift, reduced health, and damage to the mutual respect which has slowly developed between medical and Aboriginal communities in recent years. Dr Scrimgeour’s recommended response, based on thirty years experience, includes improving empowerment and self-determination through recognising and building on strengths already present, such as community-controlled health services, increasing the funding and availability of primary health care in these communities, culturally appropriate drug and alcohol rehabilitation, counseling for the victims of abuse, improved infrastructure to reduce over-crowded housing which is conducive to abuse, and finally increasing education and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.
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In his closing statements, Dr Scrimgeour highlighted that the problem of child abuse is symptomatic of the despair and social breakdown these small communities are experiencing due to years of long term neglect and inappropriate management by the government of the determinants of health most Australians take for granted, such as adequate housing, education and employment opportunities. Dr Scrimgeour quoted a mentor from his early student days, who stated “dignity is more important than penicillin or toilets.” If the current changes being implemented by the Howard government do not improve the dignity of Aboriginals, which it is very hard to see that they will, then they will not succeed in improving the health, wellbeing and safety of our Aboriginal children and communities.
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Dr Scrimgeour emphasized the warmth, humour and resilience of the communities he has had the privilege to work in and strongly encouraged medical students to take up the challenging and rewarding career of working in indigenous health.
February 9th, 2008
globalHOME recently hosted an inspirational evening featuring Dr Sujit from the Calcutta Village Project, India. Dr Sujit shared his inspirational story of establishing the Indian Institute for Mother and Child (IIMC) in Calcutta and his experiences over the past 20 years.
A rich media presentation is now available
Continue Reading April 18th, 2007
[ March 19, 2007; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] Dr Sujit is founder of The Calcutta Village Project and he enables the delivery of medicine to some of the poorest people in India. In 1988, he began this work from an abandoned stable. Today, his hospital and surgeries treat 5,000 children each month and 50,000 people every year. He has also expanded his efforts to facilitate sanitation, education and micro-credit for the lasting benefit of these communities.
Dr Sujit is currently visiting Australia to talk about his work and share his perspective on sustainable community development.
He will be in Sydney for one night only. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear his remarkable story.
When: Monday 19th March, 6pm refreshments for a 6.30pm presentation
Where: Footbridge Theatre, The University of Sydney
Wine and light food will be provided
All are welcome, including members of the general public
Admission is free
Read on to find out more!
Continue Reading March 14th, 2007
