Monash student volunteers to help train medical workforce in Africa

Dr Gordon in Kmuzu Central Hospital, Malawi last week, 

teaching students how to perform a cricothyroidotom

 (emergency surgical airway) on plastic models.

Monash University graduate research student Dr Rachel Gordon is using her expertise to train medical students in Africa, as part of the Specialists without Borders program.

Dr Gordon, who is completing her Master of Surgery with the ENT / Otolaryngology unit at Monash Health, is spending two weeks conducting small group teaching sessions for medical and clinical officer students in Malawi, and nurses in Zimbabwe.

Dr Gordon said Specialists without Borders (SWB) believes education is a sustainable means towards change in developing countries, and as such, she has been lucky enough to join the team as a Junior Doctor.

“Many of the medical and clinical officer students will be graduating soon and will be sent out to rural and remote outposts as the only doctor,” Dr Gordon said.

“This is a big responsibility and SWB's program aims to supplement their knowledge, skills and confidence.”

Selection to the program is based on involvement in global health, teaching experience and area of specialty.

“I applied because I have always had a connection with Africa as both of my parents were born and raised there,” Dr Gordon said.

“My mother was an ICU nurse and my uncle an emergency physician.”

“I grew up hearing stories about incredible challenges that were often largely overcome by to the strength and heart of the people.”

As a final year medical student, Dr Gordon spent a month working at Kilimatinde Hospital in rural Tanzania.

“I was amazed by the resourcefulness and resilience of the staff and patients and have tried to incorporate these lessons into my own practice.” 

SWB is an Austalian-based not for profit organisation that relies on donations and volunteers. Donations can be made at http://www.specialistswithoutborders.org/donationspage/

Dr Gordon said that anyone interested in getting involved as a volunteer can join the SWB supporter database to stay informed about future teaching trips.