Program Goals

Swedish and affiliated WWAMI Family Medicine residents will work within the current government health system in Malawi to:
•    Model Family Medicine presence in the government health system
•    Demonstrate full spectrum, patient centered integrated care while working within the structure of health care providers at Mangochi District Hospital.
•    Help to create teamwork within the hospital
•    When appropriate, teach medical students and residents who are studying family medicine

Program Objectives

At the completion of a 4 week rotation in Malawi, a family medicine resident will: 
•    Discuss the issues of social determinants of health, health equity, social justice, and governmental policy in terms of their impact on the distribution of health services in low-resource settings
•    Identify sociocultural and psychological factors influencing health literacy and interaction with the local health system
•    Make appropriate evidence-based decisions within a limited resource setting
•    Tailor clinical interventions by taking into consideration local socioeconomics, politics, health disparities, and cultural influences
•    Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with the patient, family, and caregivers with sensitivity to sociocultural and health literacy issues so that the diagnosis and plan of care are clearly understood and pertinent to their specific situation
•    Recognize his or her own practice limitations and seek consultation when appropriate
•    Recognize his or her own biases and stereotypes related to health care delivery in International settings
•    Demonstrate a commitment to sustainable interventions of health care delivery in Malawi
•    Assess availability and safety of medications and other treatments in Malawian context
•    Cite non-medical issues (e.g., political, safety, environmental, and climate factors) unique to practicing in Malawi.
•    Cite specific safety factors, legal considerations, and personal freedoms that might be handled differently when taking part in health care delivery in Malawi
 

 (Adapted from AAFP Global Health Curriculum)