There is a huge variety of courses available. (See Appendix 1), or visit relevant websites.

Developing Health Course
CMF runs this residential course each year at Oak Hill College in North London – usually during the first two weeks of July. It is 'tailor made' for healthcare workers planning to work overseas, covering a wide range of relevant topics and practical skills. It is a two week course but it is possible to attend for one week or for specific days. The speakers and workshop facilitators are all experts in their field and have spent time overseas. The course uses lectures, workshops, seminars, discussion groups and case studies. See www.cmf.org.uk/international/dh.asp

The course is usually accredited by the RCP for 50 CPD points.

Developing Health CD
This contains lecture notes from the course, management protocols and a great deal more. It is a useful source of information and teaching material for use abroad – contact CMF for a free copy.

Diploma of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
This excellent 3 month course in tropical medicine is run at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (www.lstmliverpool.ac.uk/index.htm) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (www.lshtm.ac.uk)

RedR
RedR run a variety of courses in humanitarian and emergency work www.redr.org.uk/en/

It is desirable to do a short period of orientation to the local medical scene at an approved hospital in the region you are going to be working in. That way you will gain some experience of local disease patterns, treatment protocols, cultural beliefs and practices. It can give you the opportunity to learn basic operative and anaesthetic skills required for a district hospital while at the same making friends and useful contacts.