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Dr Gordon in Kmuzu Central Hospital, Malawi last week,
teaching students how to perform a cricothyroidotom
(emergency surgical airway) on plastic models.
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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.
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