Unfortunately, these case presentations demonstrate how many short-term medical missions work against the health development process. The traditional medical mission model often diminishes confidence in the local health system. It can also adversely affect local health care providers economically and subvert their place of authority in the community. Short-term medical missions need to be cognoscente of these potential effects in order to utilize mission models that minimize or eliminate them. By working with local providers to facilitate health programs, and utilizing WHO standards and guidelines to facilitate the health development process. Working alongside local providers allows them to set the priorities demonstrate respect and promote community confidence in their knowledge and abilities. The volume of aid resources doesn matter as much as the implementation philosophy that the aid is being channeled into. The old adage that ideas have consequences is quite true untested and shallow ideas often have negative consequences on those that are being served. This session will explore the difference between a dependency philosophy and an empowering strategy, and these ideas will be shared in such a way to be applied to any aid related work.
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