Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) face significant challenges to their health and well-being that are unique due to lack of necessary resources including food, water, sanitation, shelter, security, and healthcare. Caring for people in these situations requires an understanding of their unique needs as well as having realistic goals regarding what can and cannot be done for them.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to serve “the least of these,” and victims of disasters and crises certainly qualify. Often these events, though causing much hardship and suffering, create the possibility for doors and hearts to be open that otherwise would be closed to the message of Jesus. We must be both willing and well prepared if we are to serve well when we are called to respond to those in need.
In this Breakout Session from the 2018 M3 Conference, Dr. Mitch Duininck will discuss his recent experiences in providing healthcare for the victims of disasters in Nepal, Kurdistan, Haiti, Lebanon, and Turkey – both natural and manmade – and highlight the need to be well prepared when serving in these difficult situations. Focus areas for the presentation and discussion include determining why you should go; team selection and structure; overcoming hurdles; and returning home successfully.
Mitch Duininck, MD, is the President and CEO of In His Image Family Medicine Residency Program and Executive Director of In His Image International, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Click here to learn more about In His Image.