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True or False?
From Meritt Lohr Sawyer,
Executive Director:
True or False? PCP Medical Ambassadors deliver direct healthcare services to the Democratic Republic of Congo. False! (Well, true at times). PCP is dedicated to improving the standard of healthcare in Congo and ultimately to saving lives.
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But sending American medical professionals to perform a few surgeries or examine a few patients cannot effectively deliver this. The benefit is limited by the temporary nature of their short-term stay. PCP Medical Ambassadors are committed to the training of Congolese doctors and nurses in sustainable medical practices. We work collaboratively with Congolese professionals to assist and support the priorities of their leadership. Our training-the-trainers method utilizes these relationships to identify specific skills training needed in Congo.
I was reminded of this during my recent trip to Congo travelling with a distinguished and committed team of Medical Ambassadors. Dr. Eric Gunnoe (Chair, PCP Pediatric Focus Group) and Dr. Jim Walker (Chair, PCP Maternal Focus Group) taught a groundbreaking Johns Hopkins course on maternal hemorrhaging called Helping Mothers Survive. Each of the twelve nurses taught on this life-saving method are returning to their villages, each to train twelve more. Julie Malyon (Chair, PCP Nursing Focus Group) conducted several training sessions for intramuscular needle injections where abscesses and nerve injuries result in infection, amputation and death. Sandra Gutknecht (Chair, PCP Hospital Administration Focus Group) trained nine healthcare administrators from throughout the system who traveled to Karawa to learn more effective ways to manage budgets and hospital administration. Marta Klein, soon to return as a medical missionary to the area, provided essential contextual understanding coupled with her medical expertise. I could not imagine a more effective trip. Each person on the team represented a specific medical expertise. Each day, the team dispersed to train Congolese professionals in their specific specialization. Each evening we shared what God had done through each of them that day.
The PCP Medical Ambassadors methodology, the training of the trainers, is a powerful method for multiplied impact in the Congo. Our commitment is for the training of local practitioners who will sustain the program. Join us! Consider becoming a Medical Ambassador. Learn more here!
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Can I make a significant and meaningful contribution as a Medical Ambassador?
This question tugged at my mind as I participated in my first Medical Ambassador Focus Group conference call. When asked to join a team traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the anxiety of this question consumed my mind.
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But now, as I fly home from a two week trip to Congo, I can say with confidence, every Medical Ambassador can make a significant contribution towards improving healthcare and the lives of Congolese families.
The needs of the health system are great, and Congolese professionals know what is required to improve their system. They guide the Medical Ambassadors in ways to come alongside them to offer support.
You do not need to travel to Congo to be a part of the work. Through technology, we can communicate and form relationships with Congolese leaders via Skype and email. Much work can be accomplished across the globe without leaving your office or living room!
When in Congo, I had the opportunity to meet with the department heads of Karawa hospital. To open our meeting, we studied Romans 12 together. It teaches, “In Christ we form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…If your gift is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is to give, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully…
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.” This is the vision of the Medical Ambassadors: To come along side our Congolese brothers and sisters in Christ and to use our gifts of service, teaching, encouraging, giving generously, leading, and showing mercy to bring the Congolese hope amidst their afflictions. We are called to share with those in need, to be Christ’s hands and feet in His church. Will you respond to this call? You can contribute in a significant and meaningful way!
Julie Malyon
PCP Nursing Focus Group, Chair
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