Avian influenza, or bird flu, was first recognized as a potential world health threat in 1997 through an outbreak in Hong Kong. This illness is caused by several subtypes of influenza A virus. Normally affecting chickens, turkeys and ducks, the virus can be transmitted to humans who inhale aerosolized bird feces or respiratory secretions. Bird […]
It’s February. Christmas festivities are long past. Those New Year’s resolutions that briefly infused inspiration are already becoming forgotten. The short, often gray days of winter layer a sense of gloom, even cynicism, over our moods. Valentine’s day is approaching, whose reminder that we ought all to be “in love” often makes it the
Africa is being ravishing by disease; a fact compounded by the frequent lack of even most basic health care. Countries like Zambia, southern Africa, are witnessing dramatic increases in HIV/AIDS, malaria, and malnutrition. According to the UNICEF, for example, one child dies of malaria each 29 seconds, from TB each 18 seconds, and one
Suicide bomber. It’s an awful combination of words to consider. First, one conscientiously decides to put an end to his or her own life, ignoring all aspirations for the future, rejecting any relationship or respect one has earned, and denying ones own instinct for self-preservation. Take the scenario a step further. Instead of
Erica Heitmann fulfilled a life-long dream by serving at the Hospital Evangelico in Honduras qualifying for the INMED International Medicine & Public Health Diploma. Erica is a senior medical student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, and President of their student chapter of the CMDA. “I had seen photos and heard
Images of hurricane destruction along the Gulf Coast are rapidly being supplanted by ones of hungry, hurting victims of the disaster – many of whom are physically ill. Hospitals as far away as Denver and New York are filling with transferred patients suffering from dysentery, dehydration, and respiratory diseases. What does this crisis
David Lachman is a medical student at the Medical College of Georgia. Inspired through his earlier experience in China, David is preparing to study in Shenyang, China, for the INMED International Medicine & Public Health Diploma. “While I was studying Chinese in Shanghai, my professor wanted me to see the contrast between the modern cities of
Paul Cartwright has long dreamed of serving in Africa. Now, as a medical student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Paul’s dream is becoming reality. He is scheduled to study at Banso Baptist Hospital in Cameroon, West Africa, in January and February, 2006. “At the beginning of med school I had
The face of medical missions has changed dramatically since Albert Schweitzer left for Gabon in 1910. He served isolated people with very limited medical resources. Over the last 100 years we have witnessed enormous increases in international relations and medical capabilities. We have also seen the capitalization of medicine into an industry, the rise of
Six medical students from the Universities of Missouri and Kansas Schools of Medicine completed the INMED International Medicine & Public Health Diploma during the 2004-05 academic year. Erika Kloepfel served for a month at Hospital Evangelico in Honduras. Jennifer Rathburn, Chrissy VanDillen, Diana Atashroo and Lisa Roark studied at Nilerigu Baptist Medical Center in Ghana. To