Chikankata Salvation Army Hospital in Zambia has great need for a general surgeon. Would you enjoy managing a wide range of surgical patients, using chiefly your clinical skills? Diagnostic facilities include straight x-ray, barium studies done by shooting successive films, and basic laboratory tests.
Anaesthetics are carefully given by well-trained Clinical Officers, and a reasonable supply of basic drugs and intravenous fluids are usually available. Double gloves, aprons and boots are mandatory, and provided, because so many patients are HIV positive.
Fractures and soft tissue injuries are often due to encounters with local ox-carts. Epileptic patients and others present with extensive burns. Abdominal surgery ranges from the drama of a ruptured spleen to the routine of herniorrhaphy. Sepsis produces amazing abscesses and osteomyelitis. Lymph-node biopsy, usually proving tuberculous, is a steady trade. Histological reports are available in 2-3 weeks from the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. Gynaecology will fall to the general surgeon until, some day, we may acquire an obstetrician. Leprosy brings it's own surgical challenges.
The medical staff usually includes one or two Zambians. The other two or three may be from America, Australia, U.K., Ireland or Scandinavia. Versatility is encouraged, but naturally each doctor tends to find his or her special interests. It is understandable that doctors without specialist training are reluctant to undertake invasive surgery.
It is hoped that the hospital will soon start to train Zambian doctors as District Health Specialists; those qualifying will be ranked as consultants, specialists in rural medicine, able to cope with all the common problems in surgery, as well as medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics, primary health care and administration. Obviously a surgeon would have a key role in training these super-docs, not only to operate, but also to recognise which patients are beyond their scope, and should be referred.
The hospital has 250 beds, and a huge outreach programme. We are trying to reverse the historical dependency of the local people on the Mission, and encourage them to analyse their own health problems, and contribute to solving them. It is not sufficient to treat little Samuel's diarrhoea; assessment must be made as to why and how he acquired the infection and whether future episodes can be prevented. Most of the people in our immediate catchment area are subsistence farmers, but there is strong community spirit, and a willingness to be involved in helping themselves. However, we do not expect our surgical specialist to operate under a tree, or conduct village seminars on intestinal anastomosis! But you might teach First Aid?
Zambian-society is being challenged on many fronts by urbanisation, by Western materialism, by break-down of traditional values, and by AIDS, which is not only a disease, but a social phenomenon. At Chikankata we strive to develop a place where the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not only preached, but also demonstrated in action. This requires integrity, patience, dedication, and the highest professional standards. In a society where there are constant complaints about shortages and economic constraints, and many young professionals are dying of AIDS, it is a challenge to be a beacon of Hope, built on the Eternal Rock.
Medical staff have been of many denominations and none, although all are expected to be in sympathy with the Gospel of God's grace. But participation in the spiritual life and witness of the hospital brings the satisfaction of knowing that we share not just in professional activities and goals, but in the Body of Christ Himself. Is God calling you' to join us? Doctors who are not surgically oriented are also very welcome to contact us.
For the address of Salvation Army International HQ, click here.
Anaesthetics are carefully given by well-trained Clinical Officers, and a reasonable supply of basic drugs and intravenous fluids are usually available. Double gloves, aprons and boots are mandatory, and provided, because so many patients are HIV positive.
Fractures and soft tissue injuries are often due to encounters with local ox-carts. Epileptic patients and others present with extensive burns. Abdominal surgery ranges from the drama of a ruptured spleen to the routine of herniorrhaphy. Sepsis produces amazing abscesses and osteomyelitis. Lymph-node biopsy, usually proving tuberculous, is a steady trade. Histological reports are available in 2-3 weeks from the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. Gynaecology will fall to the general surgeon until, some day, we may acquire an obstetrician. Leprosy brings it's own surgical challenges.
The medical staff usually includes one or two Zambians. The other two or three may be from America, Australia, U.K., Ireland or Scandinavia. Versatility is encouraged, but naturally each doctor tends to find his or her special interests. It is understandable that doctors without specialist training are reluctant to undertake invasive surgery.
It is hoped that the hospital will soon start to train Zambian doctors as District Health Specialists; those qualifying will be ranked as consultants, specialists in rural medicine, able to cope with all the common problems in surgery, as well as medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics, primary health care and administration. Obviously a surgeon would have a key role in training these super-docs, not only to operate, but also to recognise which patients are beyond their scope, and should be referred.
The hospital has 250 beds, and a huge outreach programme. We are trying to reverse the historical dependency of the local people on the Mission, and encourage them to analyse their own health problems, and contribute to solving them. It is not sufficient to treat little Samuel's diarrhoea; assessment must be made as to why and how he acquired the infection and whether future episodes can be prevented. Most of the people in our immediate catchment area are subsistence farmers, but there is strong community spirit, and a willingness to be involved in helping themselves. However, we do not expect our surgical specialist to operate under a tree, or conduct village seminars on intestinal anastomosis! But you might teach First Aid?
Zambian-society is being challenged on many fronts by urbanisation, by Western materialism, by break-down of traditional values, and by AIDS, which is not only a disease, but a social phenomenon. At Chikankata we strive to develop a place where the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not only preached, but also demonstrated in action. This requires integrity, patience, dedication, and the highest professional standards. In a society where there are constant complaints about shortages and economic constraints, and many young professionals are dying of AIDS, it is a challenge to be a beacon of Hope, built on the Eternal Rock.
Medical staff have been of many denominations and none, although all are expected to be in sympathy with the Gospel of God's grace. But participation in the spiritual life and witness of the hospital brings the satisfaction of knowing that we share not just in professional activities and goals, but in the Body of Christ Himself. Is God calling you' to join us? Doctors who are not surgically oriented are also very welcome to contact us.
For the address of Salvation Army International HQ, click here.
