Each year some 5,000 healthcare teams depart the US to service in a developing country – usually for 7-10 days duration. A growing number of authorities are questioning the efficacy of this enormous outlay of time and resources, posing the questions like, “Do short-term medical missions actually contribute to improving the overall health of a community over the long-term?” and “Is it ethical to initiate medical therapy for chronic illnesses when there is no hope of providing continuity of care?” and “How can short-term foreigners understand the culture of another society well enough to address health behavior?”
A key element is responding to these concerns is the cultivation of partnerships with host nationals – whether healthcare facilities, educational institutions, local governments or civic organizations. The guidance of partners greatly increases the likelihood that medical care will be more effective, ethical, and culturally relevant. ‘Short-Term Medical Mission Done Right’ includes 1. Find national partners. 2. Ask them what they need. 3. Ask them how we can participate.