During sunny August 2016 two other students and I travelled to Belarus to attend the annual InterMEDicus camp. InterMEDicus was established to support medical and nursing students, doctors and healthcare professionals in both their professions and faith. With around 100 like-minded attendees from nine different countries, we spent the week thinking more about medical ethics, challenging each other in our faith and expanding our insight into Eastern European culture.
A typical day, in true Belarussian style, began with copious amounts of porridge. We joined in worship and listened to a talk; a typical subject was how healthcare professionals can go the extra mile to be a witness for God to our patients and colleagues. After the talk we would then split into small groups to discuss what we had learnt and encourage one another in applying this to our particular area of medicine.
Two seminars daily focused on Christian and medical topics, led by professionals in diverse specialties from many different countries. Topics included managing stress, prioritising God in our profession, the spiritual aspects of epilepsy and ethical issues related to contraception and addictions. I particularly enjoyed Dr Rick Paul, a Dutch thoracic surgeon, expounding his expertise on the acute abdomen and how Christian doctors can advocate God's love by taking the time to speak to patients personally throughout a lengthy recovery.This really spoke to me as in many countries doctors are well-respected yet have very busy jobs and therefore if they are seen to go out of their way to continually check up on a patient, this can really demonstrate Christian humility and witness of a servant heart and love beyond patients' expectations.
Afternoons involved trips to the lake, volleyball and developing friendships through sharing our love for Jesus Christ. Challenges faced by doctors across different countries vary. In Belarus doctors earn an average of $200 a month,despite length of training being similar to that in the UK. In some Eastern European countries doctors experience pressure to accept bribes and deceive patients into choosing more expensive,unnecessary treatment. This was most shocking to me and highlighted how fortunate we are in the UK to have a more'just' healthcare system.
Each national team prepared a cultural night to educate us further about their country. These often involved singing songs about their country, presentation of national achievements and landmarks and demonstrating national dances. On international evening, with the theme of Eurovision, we took this opportunity to share the fundamental mission of CMF and educate other countries on the talent of British 1990s hip hop dancing.
Our trip really encouraged us in proclaiming God's Word within our roles. I felt God teaching me of the privilege I've been given to care for individuals at such a vulnerable time in their lives and how we can demonstrate the love God has for us in our work.I would encourage any CMF member to join a summer team in 2017 and be praying for our fellow Christian medical and nursing students across the globe; that they and we might above all things put on love, the perfect bond of unity. (1)
A typical day, in true Belarussian style, began with copious amounts of porridge. We joined in worship and listened to a talk; a typical subject was how healthcare professionals can go the extra mile to be a witness for God to our patients and colleagues. After the talk we would then split into small groups to discuss what we had learnt and encourage one another in applying this to our particular area of medicine.
Two seminars daily focused on Christian and medical topics, led by professionals in diverse specialties from many different countries. Topics included managing stress, prioritising God in our profession, the spiritual aspects of epilepsy and ethical issues related to contraception and addictions. I particularly enjoyed Dr Rick Paul, a Dutch thoracic surgeon, expounding his expertise on the acute abdomen and how Christian doctors can advocate God's love by taking the time to speak to patients personally throughout a lengthy recovery.This really spoke to me as in many countries doctors are well-respected yet have very busy jobs and therefore if they are seen to go out of their way to continually check up on a patient, this can really demonstrate Christian humility and witness of a servant heart and love beyond patients' expectations.
Afternoons involved trips to the lake, volleyball and developing friendships through sharing our love for Jesus Christ. Challenges faced by doctors across different countries vary. In Belarus doctors earn an average of $200 a month,despite length of training being similar to that in the UK. In some Eastern European countries doctors experience pressure to accept bribes and deceive patients into choosing more expensive,unnecessary treatment. This was most shocking to me and highlighted how fortunate we are in the UK to have a more'just' healthcare system.
Each national team prepared a cultural night to educate us further about their country. These often involved singing songs about their country, presentation of national achievements and landmarks and demonstrating national dances. On international evening, with the theme of Eurovision, we took this opportunity to share the fundamental mission of CMF and educate other countries on the talent of British 1990s hip hop dancing.
Our trip really encouraged us in proclaiming God's Word within our roles. I felt God teaching me of the privilege I've been given to care for individuals at such a vulnerable time in their lives and how we can demonstrate the love God has for us in our work.I would encourage any CMF member to join a summer team in 2017 and be praying for our fellow Christian medical and nursing students across the globe; that they and we might above all things put on love, the perfect bond of unity. (1)
