Content Resources

This session will describe how a inner-city Community Health Center in Buffalo, N.Y. that serves at risk pregnant women and their babies can be duplicated in a diverse, rural and under-resourced foriegn setting. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Paul Violanti and Heidi Nowak WHNP, FNP, CLC Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/reaching-the-nepalese-himalayan-mountain-communities-through-health-care

Orthopedic surgery mission trips bring life-changing care to individuals suffering from debilitating injuries and conditions, particularly in underserved regions where access to specialized care is scarce. These surgical mission trips not only restore physical mobility but also renew hope, independence, and quality of life for patients and their families. "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise." — Jeremiah 17:14   Need for Orthopedic Care in Underserved Communities In many low-resource regions, untreated orthopedic conditions, whether congenital, traumatic, or degenerative, can lead to lifelong disability. Conditions like clubfoot, fractures, and joint diseases are often left untreated due to limited access to orthopedic surgeons, surgical tools, and rehabilitation services. For patients, this lack of care can mean years of immobility, chronic pain, and social exclusion. Those in orthopedic surgery mission trips bridge this gap, providing expert surgical interventions that transform lives, restore functionality, and offer renewed opportunities for independence. Cure International's surgical programs offer one example of how specialized surgical missions are structured to maximize impact in underserved regions.   Key Services in Orthopedic Surgery Mission Trips Orthopedic surgery mission trips deliver a range of essential services tailored to address the most pressing musculoskeletal needs in underserved communities. These specialized procedures are often unavailable in the regions served, making their impact both immediate and transformative. Services include: Corrective surgeries for conditions like clubfoot, bowed legs, and joint deformities, allowing children and adults to live pain-free. Treatments for fractures and trauma injuries, addressing improperly healed or untreated injuries that limit mobility. Joint replacement surgeries for patients suffering from arthritis or joint degeneration, restoring movement and independence.   Empowering Communities Through Orthopedic Care Beyond surgical interventions, those on orthopedic surgical mission trips focus on creating sustainable healthcare solutions. Their efforts extend to empowering local healthcare providers and building stronger healthcare systems. This includes training local surgeons in orthopedic techniques, donating essential medical tools and implants, and providing post-surgical rehabilitation programs to help patients regain strength and mobility. By combining surgical care with education and resources, orthopedic missions build a foundation for lasting change.    Challenges and Solutions in Orthopedic Missions Surgical mission trips face unique challenges, including the need for specialized equipment, surgical expertise, and rehabilitation services. Teams address these barriers through collaboration with hospitals and global organizations, innovative use of portable surgical kits, and establishing follow-up programs to support long-term recovery. By overcoming these challenges, those in orthopedic surgery mission trips deliver sustainable solutions that transform healthcare access in regions that would otherwise go without.   Join the Effort to Restore Mobility Orthopedic surgery mission trips are a powerful way to change lives by restoring movement and independence to those in need. Whether through volunteering, donating equipment, or supporting these missions, individuals and organizations can play a vital role in this life-changing work. "[B]ut they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." — Isaiah 40:31 If orthopedic surgical mission trips align with your calling, find a mission opportunity where your skills can help restore mobility to those who need it most.

In healthcare there is a need for motivated and passionate leadership. Having a sense of "call" to a specific place and vocation at a specific time can help providers feel a sense of purpose and commitment. However, for those whom this service has a deeper spiritual meaning, there may be a deeper sense of call that transcends these smaller calls and leads us into even greater service. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM and November 8 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM  Session block #2 Speaker name(s):Scott Dooley Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/finding-and-following-gods-call

This session focuses on the role of women in missions including opportunities, challenges, and preparation for service. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Rebekah Naylor Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/women-on-mission

A spinal cord injury is so much more than just the inability to walk. This session will discuss the physical, emotional, and spiritual (and sexual!) impact of SCI that every medical practitioner needs to know. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Jenny Smith Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/what-you-need-to-know-about-spinal-cord-injuries-the-physical-emotional-and-spiritual-impact

In a brilliant editorial by Ralph Winter over 20 years ago, he wrote that of all those “called” into missionary service only 1 of 100 make it! Why? Because of the lack of mobilizers, or mentors. This breakout session will consider the WHY, WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW of mentoring. What is it? Who and what needs to be mentored? And, how can you find the resources that are available? Join us to hear stories, learn insights and focus on your desire to journey with God and to ultimately glorify Him through your medical (healthcare) mission ministry. This session will describe the WHY, WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & WHY of mentoring. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; speaker: Neil Thompson Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/mentoring-for-future-healthcare-missionaries

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses are rising across the globe, particularly in underserved communities where access to healthcare is limited. Chronic disease management is one of the most critical and complex challenges those in medical missions face, as it requires consistent care, education, and sustainable solutions that empower communities to address long-term health challenges. "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." — Isaiah 53:5   Growing Burden of Chronic Diseases In many low-resource settings, chronic diseases have become a silent epidemic. Unlike acute illnesses, which require immediate intervention, chronic illness management requires consistent care, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Without proper management, these diseases can lead to severe complications, including disability or death. Those in medical missions step into regions with minimal healthcare infrastructure to provide care for patients who would otherwise go untreated. By identifying, managing, and educating communities about chronic illnesses, these missionaries help reduce the long-term impact of these conditions.   Key Strategies for Chronic Disease Management Addressing chronic diseases in underserved areas requires tailored strategies that focus on prevention, education, and sustainable care: Early Diagnosis and Screening: Medical missions prioritize early detection through routine screenings for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Early diagnosis allows healthcare workers to intervene before complications arise. Access to Medications: Ensuring a consistent supply of medications, such as insulin for diabetes or antihypertensives, is critical for chronic illness management. Partnership in health with local organizations and medical supply networks helps maintain reliable access to these essential treatments. Health Education Programs: Missions offer workshops and resources to teach communities about managing chronic diseases through lifestyle changes. Simple life changes and new healthy habits can help with long-term chronic disease management.   Role of Preventive Care Preventive care is a cornerstone of chronic disease management in medical missions. By addressing risk factors early, missionaries can reduce the incidence and severity of chronic illnesses. Preventive initiatives often include education on healthy living habits, vaccination programs to prevent conditions like hepatitis and certain cancers, and screening campaigns to identify high-risk individuals for targeted interventions. These preventive efforts not only save lives but also reduce the burden on already fragile healthcare systems.   Empowering Local Healthcare Providers Sustainable chronic illness management hinges on building capacity within local healthcare systems. Those in medical missions often train local providers to recognize and manage chronic illnesses, educate patients on long-term care and disease prevention, and implement community health programs that promote wellness and routine care. Sustainable healthcare practices are essential here, ensuring that the systems built during a mission deployment continue to function and serve communities long after teams have departed.   Road to Sustainable Solutions While those in medical missions provide critical care, the ultimate goal is to empower communities to manage chronic diseases independently. Long-term success relies on partnerships with local organizations to ensure ongoing medication supply, health infrastructure development such as community clinics and mobile care units, and continued education programs that promote disease prevention and chronic illness management. By addressing chronic diseases through a holistic approach, missionaries create healthier, more resilient communities prepared to face the challenges of long-term care. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." — Revelation 21:4 If supporting sustainable chronic disease management in underserved communities resonates with your calling, explore current mission opportunities to find where your skills can make a lasting difference.

Does God want you to be happy? And how important is happiness as we pursue God's mission? We are often faced with the false choice between happiness and suffering, let's figure out a better way. In our work starting a health center in a large refugee community, we have learned so much from our staff that has challenged our "Western" perspectives on happiness. Join us as we discuss the history of happiness and the church and its relevance to today. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; speaker: Andrew Kim Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/are-you-happy

The Bible contains a narrative, a story, about God's gracious plan in Christ to redeem us from our sin. Believers are brought into that story. This story isn't something we just know and learn about but we are called to take our place in it. Missions is hard-wired to that story. Rather than thinking of our basis for missions as simply a collection of "missions" texts (and there are many!), the Bible tells a story that spans from one end of Scripture to the other--and you are part of it. Session recorded on November 7 2024 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM and November 8 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM  Session block #2 Speaker name(s): Brian Vickers Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/taking-part-in-the-biblical-story-of-missions

Each of our lives is a narrative. God’s word is a meta-narrative, a grand healing narrative. Weaving these narratives together in the context of the people we serve leads to missional living where ever we are called. Given our unique talents, gifts, passions, cultures and professions, how do we discern and sustain our respective niche in the purposeful and wonderful story of God? Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; speaker: Daniel ONeill Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/the-grand-healing-narrative-and-our-unique-niche

Many mission hospitals around the world do not have access to Rehab Professionals. Early patient mobility has been shown to improve patient’s outcomes. Visiting Medical Professionals, Doctors, Therapists, Nurses and other professionals can play an important role in teaching non rehab professional clinicians in mission hospitals when and how to mobilize even some of the sickest or most severely injured patients. This workshop will review some basic rehab patient mobility techniques. Session recorded on November 7 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Session block #1 Speaker name(s): Skip Roy Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/teaching-and-encouraging-early-patient-mobility-to-non-rehab-professionals-in-mission-hospitals

Spirituality is an important component of health, and assessing a patient's spirituality is a cultural competence of healthcare professionals. This session will review secular “best practice” guidelines about spiritual assessment and provide a framework for taking a spiritual history during our interactions with patients. Participants will role-play a variety of spiritual history-taking scenarios. In this session, you'll learn how to routinely and confidently assess your patient’s spirituality, and practice your spiritual history-taking skills. Session recorded on Saturday, November 11th during Session Block #7 at 9:30 AM EST ; Speaker: Mark https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2023/sessions/how-to-take-a-spiritual-history