abstract
Health care in third-world countries is often bleak when compared to most industrialized countries. In an effort to close this gap, students and health professionals have taken an interest in ameliorating global health issues by contributing donations, by volunteering, and by conducting research. Among these global health initiatives are short-term medical missions (STMM), which usually take place over 1-2 weeks and provide health-related services to individuals in developing countries. These services include eye examinations, wellness checks, over-the-counter medicine, and surgical operations. While on the surface these programs seem beneficial to both volunteers and to program recipients, we know little about the short- and long-term effects on the recipient community.
I researched the effects of STMM by reading current literature on the topic, thoroughly researching organization's websites, and interviewing students who had gone on a mission. I concluded that most short-term medical missions are set to do more harm than good in the communities they serve. The primary problem is that these missions aim to temporarily fix the problem, not prevent problems or establish long-term, sustainable practices. Successful organizations had a strong partnership with the local healthcare institutions, worked to train local healthcare workers, educated volunteers about community cultural practices and etiquette, and built sustainable financial support.
Through my research, I also created a matrix that can be used to evaluate programs. Many students want to join an organization with good intentions, however it can be difficult to know what to look for and how to go about assessing a program's validity. This matrix serves as an aid for pre-health students and healthcare professionals interested in volunteering abroad.
I presented my research at the University of Washington's Undergraduate Research Symposium. The experience helped me realize how important it is to understand the political, economical, and cultural situations a community experiences in order to effectively help them. This applies not only to foreign countries but also to different communities in the United States. It also made me realize the important of researching programs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities I choose to participate in.
I researched the effects of STMM by reading current literature on the topic, thoroughly researching organization's websites, and interviewing students who had gone on a mission. I concluded that most short-term medical missions are set to do more harm than good in the communities they serve. The primary problem is that these missions aim to temporarily fix the problem, not prevent problems or establish long-term, sustainable practices. Successful organizations had a strong partnership with the local healthcare institutions, worked to train local healthcare workers, educated volunteers about community cultural practices and etiquette, and built sustainable financial support.
Through my research, I also created a matrix that can be used to evaluate programs. Many students want to join an organization with good intentions, however it can be difficult to know what to look for and how to go about assessing a program's validity. This matrix serves as an aid for pre-health students and healthcare professionals interested in volunteering abroad.
I presented my research at the University of Washington's Undergraduate Research Symposium. The experience helped me realize how important it is to understand the political, economical, and cultural situations a community experiences in order to effectively help them. This applies not only to foreign countries but also to different communities in the United States. It also made me realize the important of researching programs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities I choose to participate in.