2020 M3 Conference

Pre-Conference Workshops
(only Workshop #5 starts at 8 a.m.; the rest at 9 a.m.)

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Pre-Conference Workshops

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Rural Medical Education in LICs as a Solution for Migration of Health Care Workers

Speaker(s):
Alyssa Pfister, MD

Room:
Main Sanctuary

Description:
Brain drain of healthcare workers is a huge challenge to low-income countries, particularly in rural areas, and yet these locations represent arguably the greatest healthcare needs in the world.  This session will discuss rural medical education as a potential solution to brain drain by raising up compassionate competent healthcare workers in the local setting.

Moved by Compassion for the Sake of Others

Speaker(s):
Jacques Ebhele, MD, FCS (ECSA)

Room:
Main Sanctuary

Description:
At the beginning of my career as a general practitioner, I was powerlessly observing, due to my lack of expertise, my own people suffering and dying from surgically curable diseases.  It became painfully apparent that in order to take care of needy people in Africa, in particular in the DR Congo, I would need to gain more knowledge and surgical skills.  So, I decided to surrender my job as a general practitioner and pursue a specialization in surgery.  I was moved by compassion for the suffering of others.  Similarly, the centurion’s example in the Bible (Matthew 8:5-13) who went to see Jesus for the sake of his sick servant will be emphasized.

The End of Hunger: Achieving Sustainable Development Goals Together by 2030

Speaker(s):
Jenny Eaton Dyer, PhD
Jeremy Everett

Room:
Main Sanctuary

Description:
Twenty-five years ago, 23.3 percent of the world’s population lived in hunger. Today, that number has dropped to 12.9 percent giving rise to the renewed hope that what once seemed unthinkable, is now within reach. The challenges are great, but the fight to eliminate malnutrition and hunger in the U.S. and around the world is one we can win. This session will discuss how attendees can get involved in the work of eradicating global malnutrition and feeding the hungry.

Go Ahead and Make Those Plans, but the Lord…

Speaker(s):
Michael Chupp, MD, FACS, FCS (ECSA)

Room:
Main Sanctuary

Description:
Solomon reminds us that we “can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21)  Those seeking to follow God’s call and daily die to self will discover that God’s plans for our lives are good and satisfying, beyond anything we could ask or imagine.

Dental Mission Trips: Blessings in Disguise

Speaker(s):
William Griffin, DDS

Room:
3024, 3rd Floor

Description:
Why do dental professionals give away their time and skills, traveling long distances to foreign cultures at their own expense, to help treat the needy? This session will consider some of the more and less obvious benefits of short-term dental mission trips, including their potential effect on private practice back home. Various types of dental mission trips will be considered – medical/dental treatment trips, remote third world training trips, and trips involving dental students.

The Role of Academics in Missions

Speaker(s):
Philip Keiser, MD

Room:
Warehouse, 4th Floor

Description:
Academic Medicine and Faith Based Organizations (FBO) often have widely divergent views on missions. Academics are often suspicious that Faith Based Organizations place proselytization ahead of patient care while, FBO’s see Academics as interested only in research. However, there are successful collaborations between academic medical centers and faith based organizations that leverage the strengths of each. This session will highlight two successful collaborations in East Africa and will provide lessons learned from these endeavors.

Running on Empty: Wellness, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue in Humanitarian Work

Speaker(s):
Kristin L. Long, MD, MPH, FACS

Room:
The Chapel, 3rd Floor

Description:
This session will address the critically important and timely concepts of burnout and compassion fatigue in medical providers.  Humanitarian work can be extraordinary, fulfilling and purpose-driven; and in many cases may provide a cure for the emotional exhaustion many us feel at home.  On the other hand, the stress and demands of providing care in low-resource settings can also cause these exact same problems.  We will examine how medical mission work could be the cause OR the cure for burnout and how to prevent compassion fatigue.

A New 21st Century Medical Missions Model: Integrated Countrywide Clinical Networks

Speaker(s):
Andrew Mayo

Room:
3022, 3rd Floor

Description:
Medical missions for the 21st Century is moving from a broad dependency model to one which creates a long term, financially sustainable platform for the indigenous church to share the Gospel. In virtually every country in Sub-Saharan Africa, local churches have established primary care clinics to serve their local community. Unfortunately those clinics are almost universally plagued with substandard medical care and financial loses. In Malawi, a new model is being created which integrates a standardized clinical and financial model with a nationwide network of mission hospitals. Initial outcomes have been substantial.

When Dreams Catch Fire

Speaker(s):
Agneta Odera, MD, FCS-ECSA Gen-Surg, FCS-ECSA Peds-Surg

Room:
Mission Control, 3rd Floor

Description:
We all have within us an innate desire to achieve the purpose for which we were created.  Often one finds themselves burdened with a dream that seems impossible or unattainable.  But that is when God steps in, because He uses what seems foolish and weak to prove Himself strong and draw people to Himself.  If we present ourselves just as we are.  If we allow ourselves to dream big and be ignited by God’s great passion for salvation, healing and restoration, we will be left in awe and with an overwhelming sense of privilege of what God is doing in and around us for His glory.

Redefining Success

Speaker(s):
Emily Smith, PhD, MSPH

Room:
The Loft, 4th Floor

Description:
What does “having it all” really mean? It is easy to think we succeed if our global health programs work correctly, if we treat enough patients in our rural settings around the world, if we land a scientific publication with our name on it, or if we raise perfect children. If we’re not careful, this can become confidence to us and a faulty definition of success. In this session, we will explore real success as defined in Philippians 3 through the lens of Jesus. “But this one thing I do…” – Philippians 3:13

International Disaster Response:  5 Keys to Successful Deployment

Speaker(s):
Kelly Sites, RN

Room:
Trailblazers, 2nd Floor

Description:
Disasters happen with little notice.  You get a call to leave within hours and travel across the world into countries ravaged by earthquakes, hurricanes, disease outbreaks and war.  Learn about the Disaster Assistance Response Team and how to prepare for a successful deployment before you go.

Critical Role of Mission Hospitals in the Developing World

Speaker(s):
Keir Thelander, MD, FACS, FWACS, FCS (ECSA)

Room:
3021, 3rd Floor

Description:
During this session, we will look at the current role of mission hospitals in the developing world from multiple perspectives.  We will look at their role in the over provision of health care in a country, as well as their potential for influence on health systems of countries.  Finally, we will look at how the criticality of this role provides openings for greater Gospel impact both with patients and with other health care workers in the country.

Serving the Forgotten

Speaker(s):
Nicholas Comninellis, MD, MPH, DIMPH

Room:
3021, 3rd Floor

Description:
Leaders in government, ethics, and healthcare agree on the imperative of health for all people. But while enormous gains have been made towards this end, today there exist multitudes of forgotten people who suffer preventable diseases and receive no healthcare. These forgotten people often include immigrants, refugees, minorities, elderly, disabled, non-English speakers, urban and rural poor, and victims of disaster and war. In their defense, health leaders must become effective advocates – rallying resources on their behalf. Health leaders must also prioritize prevention and treatment of forgotten disease like measles, leprosy, vitamin A deficiency, polio and tetanus.

HIV and AIDS: The Road to Controlling the Epidemic by 2030

Speaker(s):
Jenny Eaton Dyer, PhD

Room:
Trailblazers, 2nd Floor

Description:
As we stand at the precipice of halving the number of people dying of HIV and AIDS over the past 15 years, we face a future of potential decreased funding, youth bulge in Africa, and complacency which could allow for a resurgence of the disease worldwide. How will the church respond today? What will you do to ensure the U.S. and the global faith community lead in controlling the epidemic by 2030?

Finding God’s Calling

Speaker(s):
Michael E. Navolio

Room:
3024, 3rd Floor

Description:
At the age of 56, a pleasure African safari trip turned into a life-changing experience that resulted in God calling Mike to start Child Legacy’s Annual Mt. Kilimanjaro Clean Water Climb. Mike will provide insight on his journey of how God has ordered his steps to reveal the answer to the elusive question, how do you find your calling?

Survival Skills for Long Term Medical Missions

Speaker(s):
Alyssa Pfister, MD

Room:
The Chapel, 3rd Floor

Description:
Paradox. Sabbath. Theology of Suffering.  Global Humility. Lament. Rhythms of Work and Rest. Community. Grace at the Fray.  This session will highlight lessons learned and unlearned over the speaker’s first 10 years in medical missions.

Go Therefore and Take Your Job with You

Speaker(s):
Andrew Scott

Room:
The Loft, 4th Floor

Description:
The opportunities have never been greater for medical professionals to take salaried jobs in parts of the world where Jesus is less known.  In Operation Mobilization (OM), we see this becoming a major pathway for Americans to be part of the global mission effort as authentic followers of Jesus on mission with Him.  If God made you to be an Oncologist, Pediatrician, Radiologist, Accountant, Mechanic, Lawyer, etc., come learn how you can be part of this new missions movement.

Global and Local Medical Missions Experiences:  Unique Learning and Teaching Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals and Students

Speaker(s):
Stephen J. Spann, MD, MBA

Room:
Warehouse, 4th Floor

Description:
Medical mission experiences, both global and local provide unique learning and teaching opportunities for healthcare professionals and students.  A broad number of areas including social determinants of health, epidemiology of disease, primary and secondary disease prevention, clinical problem-solving, and chronic disease and acute infectious disease management are different in the medical mission context with constrained diagnostic and therapeutic resources.  Caring for patients in this setting allows us to learn, and teach knowledge, skills and attitudes that enhance our care of patients in all settings.  The speaker will draw from his own 40 years of experience learning and teaching in the global and local medical mission context, and engage the audience in sharing their own experience in this setting.

Human Trafficking: Raising Awareness to Identify Victims in the Clinical Setting

Speaker(s):
Kerri Taylor, MS, CCC-SLP

Room:
Mission Control, 3rd Floor

Description:
Human trafficking doesn’t happen here…does it?  Come learn what every citizen needs to know in order to keep their families safe and how medical professionals can identify potential victims in their practices and spheres of influence.  Recognizing the victim in front of you takes knowledge and insight.  This presentation is designed to equip you with the tools you need to prevent victimization in that critical window of opportunity just before it begins.  This session offers CNE credit for nurses, but is appropriate for all medical professionals with application to medical missions.  CNE credits can only be awarded to those attending the entire hour of the presentation. Make plans to be in attendance when the session begins.

Faith in Action: Surgery in the Mission Field

Speaker(s):
Scott J. Temple, BSN, RN, CNOR

Room:
3022, 3rd Floor

Track:
Veteran Missionary

Description:
Faith in Action: Surgery in the Mission Field provides an inside look at serving as an operating room nurse in West Africa. As a surgical team member in the mission field you are provided many opportunities to practice holistic patient care. Come discover how anyone willing to serve those in need can have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus through your journey of Faith in Action.

Balance: Juggling Your Family and Serving High Acuity Patients Who Seem to Need You More

Speaker(s):
Anne Alaniz, DO

Room:
The Chapel, 3rd Floor

Description:
It is often difficult for mothers to leave their children and work outside of the home. This is even more difficult for medical mission moms who are working in settings where their children are feeling displaced without their friends, family and living out of their comfort zone. On the other hand, there are critically ill patients who are facing life and death situations with minimal resources and options that naturally seem to need your attention more than your children. Finding balance, contentment and joy in serving both family and high acuity patients can easily turn into an impossible mission.  Can we have it all? This session will review those challenges, discuss what the bible says about service/work, and practical ways to find balance between work and family even in these challenging settings.

Surgery in Rural Africa:  Challenges and Opportunities

Speaker(s):
Jacques Ebhele, MD, FCS (ECSA)

Room:
3021, 3rd Floor

Description:
In this session, I will explain the challenges that I face on a daily basis as the only surgeon in a hospital.  Low-resource settings present a great opportunity for short or long-term missionaries to increase the capacity of the local staff through the sharing of their knowledge and skill.

Excellence in Nursing: Spiritual Care

Speaker(s):
Mary E. Hermiz, RN, MSN, EdD

Room:
3022, 3rd Floor

Description:
Nursing is a profession that is focused on meeting the needs of patients: physical, emotional and spiritual. We will discuss using the nursing process as a guide to assess the spiritual needs of patients. Through exploring case examples from Kenya, participants will learn how the nursing process is utilized in providing spiritual and holistic benefits to patients.

Collaboration for Surgical Education, Training and Research in Africa

Speaker(s):
Agneta Odera, MD, FCS-ECSA Gen-Surg, FCS-ECSA Peds-Surg

Room:
The Loft, 4th Floor

Description:
Safe and affordable surgical care has been recognized as an important component of global health.  One of the challenges in providing safe and affordable surgical care is the shortage of trained surgical workforce.  Surgical education in Africa may be limited in general, but particularly for the postgraduates due to lack of financial resources, teaching faculty, or clinical training opportunities.  Research in Africa for the benefit of Africa equally remains untapped resource.  As interest in global health skyrockets, students, trainees, and doctors in high-income countries (HICs) have expressed keen interest in working in resource limited settings.  How then, can we develop a mutually beneficial collaborative framework that shapes the African healthcare foundation for a stable and brighter future?

Building Global Research:  The Intersection of Epidemiology, Economics & Policy

Speaker(s):
Emily Smith, PhD, MSPH

Room:
Warehouse, 4th Floor

Description:
Global health research is often viewed through siloed lenses of disparate disciplines. However, real-life global health issues are often interdisciplinary in nature and encompass many aspects of a person’s life, including personal experiences, social networks, and the larger community/policy/economic aspects a person lives within. This session will explore these intersections and provide real-world application examples in the field.

Defying the Odds in Attempt to Remain Organizationally Sustainable

Speaker(s):
Elizabeth Studley, CRNA, MS

Room:
Trailblazers, 2nd Floor

Description:
KenyaRelief.org is a faith-based non-governmental organization in Migori, Kenya with a school, orphanage, and medical clinic that has been in existence since 2002. Throughout countless challenges and constant prayer, Kenya Relief continues to grow despite being in a world where way more businesses fail than succeed. There are some critical factors that will be shared and must be considered in attempt to remain a sustainable organization.

Best Practices Models in Short Term Missions from the Perspective of a Long Term Missionary

Speaker(s):
David Vanderpool, MD

Room:
Mission Control, 3rd Floor

Track:
Local Ministries

Description:
Dr. David Vanderpool has lead Short Term Missions for 10 years and for 6 of those years, he has been a full-time missionary. Dr. Vanderpool has seen first-hand the damage that well-meaning short term missionaries can cause to long term Kingdom work. He is sharing his vast knowledge of tips, insight, and mistakes made so that you can lead successful Kingdom enhancing mission trips.

Broken. Healed. And Carrying Out God’s Calling on My Life.

Speaker:
Elizabeth Studley, CRNA, MS

Room:
Main Sanctuary

Description:
Medical missions experiences have a major impact on the formation, as well as the education, of health care professionals whatever their stage of development. The speaker will share insights from his lifelong experiences in medical missions as a clinical provider and teacher, addressing the value of role modeling and the unique learning opportunities in this setting.

To Whom Much has Been Given: The Role of Those Who Have Been Empowered in Lifting Marginalized Women in Societies Where Their Mistreatment is the Norm

Speaker:
Anne Alaniz, DO

Room:
Main Sanctuary

Description:
“My mother called me ‘loose’ when I told her what he tried to do to me and now I wish I never said anything “(anonymous age 14).

“My friends and family abandoned me and called me a traitor for calling the police to arrest my husband because he was beating me” (anonymous age 28).

These are statements from real women who have suffered real abuse and are paying the steep price for speaking up. Women on medical missions have a unique platform that allows them to connect more intimately with the female patients and open the door for victims of abuse to discuss their plight. How do women in medical missions use that platform to help other women and young girls deal with issues of violence/abuse against women in cultures where this is acceptable and considered the norm? How do empowered women from other cultures use their position to empower and encourage these women while respecting the culture? What is the biblical perspective on these issues?

The Mission: God’s Story…or Mine?

Speaker:
Agneta Odera, MD, FCS-ECSA Gen-Surg, FCS-ECSA Peds Surg

Room:
Main Sanctuary

Description:
In every human person there is a God shaped imprint and void that only He can fill, causing the things that grieve Him to naturally grieve us. The indwelling of God within us awakens our ears and eyes to the suffering and injustices around us, and yielding our lives to His purposes is the only meaningful response that honors God. Upon stepping into God’s calling, He gives us a peace beyond human understanding to handle what we feel called to do. This peace is so deep that those who experience it are willing to risk all… comfort, and sometimes even life itself. We however, are challenged to remember that He is already at work around us, and it is a privilege to be involved in the process of reconciling God’s creation back to Himself. And, He receives all of the glory. God constantly inspires us to dream big, to dare more boldly, to stop sailing close to the shore and to venture into rougher seas whereas Francis Drake puts it “the storms show us God’s mastery, where in losing the sight of land we shall find the stars”.

Scatter

Speaker:
Andrew Scott

Room:
Main Sanctuary

Description:
Our existing missions models have excluded many from participating or relegated them to part-time service through short-term trips, giving or prayer.  Added to this, missions can have a very narrow interpretation of ‘calling’ and a low view of anything other than proclamation.  But what if the Mission of God is for every follower of Jesus and for every part of life?  What if God’s glory among the nations was on all of our job descriptions?