The objectives of the breakout session are
1. To understand the short and longterm educational opportunites available in developing countries
2. To better understand how one can develop skills to prepare to teach in developing countries
3. Identify sending agencies that support training in developing countries
With so many changes in the world – could God be opening new avenues for medical missions in general and dental in particular to take a leading role in reaching the lost? Some considerations for dental missions and opportunities for increasing our impact.
While technical advances are often seen to define progress in the diagnosis and treatment of illness, a solely mechanistic approach fails to deal with the basic requirement of patients’ need to be cared for as people - in body, mind and spirit. This seminar looks at the biblical basis for whole-person medicine as well as its practical application in healthcare provision and teaching.
There is a real danger of short term team intervention. Whilst immediately doing good, they may create real problems in the longer term due to poor appreciation of the true local situation and the problems of national health workers while arrogantly importing western thinking and “clinical imperialism”. This seminar examines the importance of "leaving oneself behind' when going (one’s prejudices, assumptions and any feelings of superiority) and instead having an openness to learn from our national colleagues. But when we return we should also “leave ourselves behind” - in the skills we have imparted, the training and encouragement we have given, and the on-going friendships we have built.
