Podcast

Everyone's calling into the world of healthcare missions is different. No matter where you are on your journey, we can all be inspired by hearing the firsthand accounts of others whom God has called into this field. In this segment, you will hear from four healthcare professionals as they share what God's calling is for them and how they followed His direction. Through their stories, we hope you feel encouraged for the work that God has placed on your own heart. 

https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/pathway-to-missions

For the last 60 years, many have studied the population known as Third Culture Kids (TCKs)—children who grow up outside their parents’ passport country(ies)/cultures. But the world has changed greatly in that time. What common characteristics for TCKs of the past remain for today’s TCKs? What are new benefits and paradoxical complexities globally mobile families face in today's world? If being a TCK is part of God’s ‘workmanship’ in our children's lives, how can we best nurture them in a cross-cultural, highly mobile lifestyle? Come join our discussion on these matters.

An interactive presentation/discussion on how a changing world increases cultural complexity for many children who are growing up amid many cultural worlds. We will also share from audience and presenter strategies for helping our children maximize and use well the gifts of such a childhood.

Session recorded on Friday, November 10th during Session Block #5 at 4:00 PM EST ; speaker: Ruth VanReken

Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/third-culture-kids-phase-2-whats-the-same-whats-new-for-todays-tcks

Data on child and adolescent mental disorders across the globe are limited, but prevalence rates vary from 8 to 24%, with treatment gaps up to 99%.

In this breakout session, we will explore cultural aspects of child mental health across the globe. How helpful are our “western” diagnoses for children and adolescents in the Global South? Does autism, trauma, depression, etc. look the same across cultures? Are our therapeutic approaches relevant and sustainable? How do we build the capacity of local providers and encourage Christians to provide care and address stigma?

Session recorded on Friday, November 10th during Session Block #5 at 4:00 PM EST ; speaker: Heleen Yoder

Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/addressing-child-mental-health-needs-across-cultures

The experience of healthcare missionaries is very different from most other missionaries such as bible translators and church planters. Healthcare missionaries are commonly confronted with life-and-death dilemmas, overwhelming desperate need, cross-cultural conflicting values, and great suffering. Healthcare missionaries are often powerfully burdened by moral injury, which can contribute to burnout and a sense of failure. But some healthcare missionaries have learned how to thrive in the midst of this burden. We will share what we have learned about the powerful methods that have proven to be supportive of effective, healthy service and a life of spiritual growth and vitality.

Session recorded on Friday, November 10th during Session Block #4 at 2:30 PM EST ; speaker: Jim Ritchie

Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/navigate-the-moral-minefield-of-healthcare-missions

Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the most severe form of this disease, usually occurs in persons traveling without prophylaxis or with inadequate prophylaxis. Most cases of malaria occur in missionaries, long-term expatriates, and immigrants who have returned to the country of their origin to visit friends and family (VFR travelers). Failure to take adequate malaria prophylaxis may occur for economic reasons or due to the mistaken belief that prolonged residence in high risk areas leads to immunity. Practical prevention strategies and the self treatment of malaria are discussed.

Session recorded on Friday, November 10th during Session Block #4 at 2:30 PM EST ; speaker: Gregory Juckett

Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/malaria-prevention-and-treatment-in-missionaries