In the Land of Jason

 This may seem basic but it can tell you a lot about their education and perception. For example, folks from the inner-city or country refer to diabetes as "my sugar" while a well educated person might refer to it as "Type II diabetes" Its also an important vocabulary builder.

 This ties into the previous question but looks for what they believe is the trigger. Plus it gives you the history that you need obtain. Even if their understanding isn't off it gives you a teachable moment. For example, many of the folks at church thought the primary way the swine flu is spread is via the air (so some ran out to buy air filters thinking they were safe).While it can be spread through the air, it is most commonly passed via shared surfaces. Which lead to many of them heading out and buying hand sanitizer.

                  If someone thinks that the illness is primarily spiritual then the prayer you offer for them may be all they want. If they believe that all infections are the same then they might expect the same treatment as their cousin who came in here last week. Knowing what they think about disease is important. For example, a number of the patients that came into the clinic would complain of "hurting lungs" and rub their lower backs because that's where they thought the lungs were. (Some thought the lungs extended the entire length of the back). They were looking for an inhaler or antibiotics to fix a strained lower back. 

Someone may not consider it to be serious or something that will end up being a chronic condition. 

Patient non-compliance may be a result of not understanding the nature of the illness. 

 Patient expectations. Here it is. This will let you know what they expect of you.  Sometimes they only want to know what it is (like with genetic defects) other times they have. unrealistic  expectations (curing that genetic defect).  

 This is another way of asking for their symptoms. However it tightly focuses on what THEY see as the problem. They may have come in because their up six times a night to pee. You

discover they have diabetes and want to fix that but all they care about is not peeing so much. 

Medical mission links

          www.medicalmissions.com -Home of the Global Misssions Health Conference held in November every year in Louisville, KY. Lots of good links from the site. If you're a student, the need to attend early on in your education is really important. This particularly true for those who are studying to be anything other doctors. Since our training is shorter and often times less structured, having a well planned road map is extremely helpful. The conference has lost of info for students and residents trying to make those hard decisions.  

          www.bmdf.org Baptist medical and dentist fellowship. Focuses on both work here and abroad. I've never attended one of their conferences but they have one coming up in May. Another alternative if you can't make the Global Missions Health Conference.

http://www.mmex.org/conferences.aspx A list of various types of medical mission conferences around the US. Most of them are pretty small and specific but its interesting to see what going on. Its an interesting website that attempts to link folks with missions, includes missions both secular and christian. 

         www.techmd.org/-   The "No Junk for Jesus" folks- they accept donated equipment for Christians missions around the world but insure that it works and is sustainable before sending it out. For example, they make sure that a piece of sensitive lab equipment is not sent to a place w/out climate control. They also make arrangements to make sure that the hospital or clinic has the power or know how necessary to run the machine.

          www.map.org- Is a big picture kind of organization that works on providing education and resources to medical missions. If your looking to go on a short term trip they can send a huge pack of appropriate medicines to the region for a nominal fee. Even if you don't plan on using them the medical mission you are working with appreciate the extra meds. http://www.map.org/site/PageServer?pagename=travel_Main

        http://www.missionfinder.org/medical.htm- The super list of every medical mission out there looking for people. I really don't like using this site since its poorly organized and way too much information. Sometimes though if your looking for a specific oddball country or locale that's the way to go. This is interdenominational so be sure to read all the details. Some folks won't even talk to you if you don't follow a checklist of doctrinal statements while others seem to have any standards at all.

       http://www.hml.org/WWW/tropical.php- An concise listing of tropical and epidemilogical resources on the web.

       www.astmh.org/ - American Society of tropical medicine and hygiene. At the time of this posting its site was down but it normally has a great listing of programs around the globe in tropical medicine. It lists schools where you get certified, an MA, or Phd in tropical medicine. Here is there address if you can't wait until the site is up again. 60 Revere Drive Suite 500  Northbrook, IL 60062 (847)-480-9592

        www.inmed.us- Institute for International Medicine-An internship organization for MDs, NPs, and PAs. They pair you with a medical missionary in another country. Though I've never used them, they do have a good reputation and you can often get college credit for the work you do with them.

          http://www.cchf.org/ - An American group of folks that are reaching out to the poor right here in the US. Find out you can get involved in your own backyard. Good starting place if your wanting to start up your own clinic as well.

         http://www.fcpa.net/- Fellowship of Christian Physician Assistants

         http://www.cmda.org/- Christian medical and dental association-Fellowship for doctors and dentist (really interesting publishing as well). Very professionally done. 

        http://ncf.intervarsity.org/   Fellowship of Christian Nurses-Good organization-Too much Spam-Ok publications-Really great people working there that really believe in what they do. Everytime I've spoken to them they've really been a help.