Wednesday, March 14, 2012
For Residents
Stealing the world's doctors: One resident's perspective
Blood banks that are out of blood, manually ventilating an infant overnight and using a standard drill in surgeries are among the characteristics at University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, that led resident Kunj Desai, MD, to find a position at a hospital in the United States.
A story (registration required) by the New York Times examines the reasons why Dr. Desai, a resident at University Hospital in Newark, N.J., left his native country and his inner conflict about returning after training, describing in great detail the situation in Zambia. The story also looks at the impact on poorer countries whose medical graduates remain in the U.S. after training. For example, the story notes the emotional responses and ethical debate that the migration of doctors from poor countries to rich ones elicits.
The AMA advocates for various issues of interest to international medical gradates. Visit the AMA International Medical Graduates Section Web page to learn more.
Last chance to apply for a Discovery Channel rotation
AMA member residents, fellows and medical students are invited to apply for the AMA/Discovery Channel internship, an exclusive opportunity to translate rigorous scientific data into an entertaining and informational program. Applications are due Thursday.
During the internship, one resident/fellow and one medical student will work to develop a medical education program that will air on the Discovery Channel. The resident/fellow and student will work primarily at Discovery Communications headquarters in Silver Spring, Md., but will also travel to relevant on-site and studio shoots for the program.
A stipend of $3,000 will be provided to cover living expenses. Dates and length of the rotation are flexible.
Bring the AMA's outreach program to your institution
Be on the lookout at resident and fellow orientations, exhibits or activity fairs for the AMA Resident Outreach Program. Through this program, the AMA strives to increase residents' and fellows' awareness of the important resources and advocacy the AMA offers.
If your institution does not offer orientations or similar events, the AMA can send you materials that your institution can include in orientation kits or distribute through its graduate medical education office. If you'd like the program to visit your institution or materials about the program, fill out an online request form by March 31.
