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INMED Speaker's Bureau
Audiences are increasingly interested in learning how they can become involved in international medical service. In response, INMED is pleased to provide our Speakers Bureau. Nicholas Comninellis, INMED President, is most frequently available for engagements. Other INMED faculty may also be available upon request. Please contact INMED to explore any of these options.Dr. Comninellis' most frequent presentations include:
Serving The Forgotten
Abstract: Political, ethical and healthcare leaders agree on the imperative of health for all people. While enormous gains have been made towards this end, today there exist substantial numbers of 'forgotten people' that suffer preventable diseases and receive little if any healthcare. These forgotten people often include immigrants, minorities, urban and rural poor. In their defense, healthcare leaders must become effective advocates - rallying a variety of professions and disciples on their behalf. Healthcare leaders must also learn to effectively prevent and treat the most often forgotten, but significant disease among such people, including vitamin A deficiency, obstructed labor, and Chaga's disease. Action must also be taken to effectively mitigate and respond to disasters among forgotten people - ones that claim many lives but receive little regional or international attention.
Fighting The Diseases Of Poverty
Abstract: Poverty and health are intimately associated. The nations of poverty are also home to the lowest life expectancy, greatest child mortality, and highest number of preventable deaths. Three interventions are especially effective. First, we must promote economic development, for history demonstrates that as overall income increase so does health status. Second, we must stand against military conflict, for in nations so embattled over 90 percent of deaths are from hunger and infectious diseases. Third, we must advocate those specific interventions that have proven most effective against the leading diseases of poverty, though these interventions may be inconsistent with the standard medical paradigm.
Today's World Health Challenges
Abstract: Service in developing nations requires familiarity with a spectrum of unique health challenges. Health in low-resource communities is mainly determined by nutrition, contraception and safe obstetric care, infectious disease prevention, trauma prevention, & provision of medical care. Health is also closely connected with economic development. Malnutrition is a cause of 70 percent of childhood deaths, and breast-feeding is highly protective. 98 percent of all maternal deaths occur in developing nations, and basic obstetric care is lifesaving. Pneumonia and diarrhea are leading causes of child death, and simple antibiotics and oral rehydration are effective treatments. Injuries are an unrecognized and preventable cause of death. In approaching all these health interventions, cooperation with national health/medical professionals is critical. Participants will be challenged to advocate health promotion strategies that do not simply treat diseases but also elevates the health status of communities.
Health Through The Eyes Of Culture
Abstract: Many culturally influenced behaviors have important health consequences. As we better understand culture, we can become more effective health promoters. "Culture" itself is an integrated system of learned behavior patterns. Most cultures contain a broad mixture of both "scientific" and "traditional" viewpoints. Cultures can be effectively understood in terms of their perspectives on human nature, the relationship of humans to nature, their sense of time, their perspective on activity, and influence of social relationships. To effectively promote health in a new cultural context, one must apply the most basic principles of cultural adaptation: Observe, Understand and Adjust. Frequently say to your national colleagues, "Help me to understand why..." Asking questions maintains self-respect and creates ownership. Improvement in health behavior is a process built on trust and relationship.
Health Leadership for Low-Resource Communities
Abstract: The Health field is in crisis for lack of wise leadership, yet leadership skills are rarely taught. Health leaders in limited-resource communities must design and implement health systems that are both effective and efficient. A "health system" is a design for effective interventions based on health needs and on available resources. A variety of interventions may promote health but are either inappropriate or inefficient. To design a health system, first assess needs and resources. Second, plan appropriate interventions. Third, assure these are carried out. This three-step process is cyclical and continuous. Four levels of Interventions are commonly considered: population-oriented, disease oriented, primary care, and hospital care.
Misconceptions About Medical Missions
Abstract: Most deaths in developing nations are preventable and are due to TB, pneumonia, malaria, diarrhea, HIV, and trauma. As a result, life expectancy in some nations is as low as age 35. The majority of health care professionals have at some time considered international service, but they are inhibited by potential perceived obstacles - ones that are mostly misconceptions. Some of these include concerns about unfamiliar diseases, malpractice, potential dangers, language learning, cultural barriers, financial pressures, child raising, and not knowing how to begin. Correcting misconceptions about medical missions will assist health care professionals in making mature decisions to assist the poorest of the poor.
Low-Resource HIV Care
Abstract: HIV claimed 3 million lives in 2005 alone, and 95 percent of them lived in developing nations. Less than 20 percent of these people had access to basic HIV treatment. The epidemic can be stopped through education and awareness, testing and counseling, and basic HIV treatment. HIV treatment protocols are relatively simple, safe and effective. Prenatal prophylaxis can reduce HIV transmission by infected pregnant women to their infants from 35-45 percent to 1-2 percent. Ample funding and drug supplies are available to combat HIV in developing nations. What is most needed in Low-Resource HIV Care is for health care professionals to take action.
Launching Into Medical Missions
Abstract: Health care professionals have record interest in international service; however, launching into medical missions is not as easy as it may seem. First, it requires a unique set of professional skills, for the diseases are different, medical resources are minimal, cultural context is challenging, and most physician's leadership skills are deficient. Secondly, medical missions also require a unique set of personal skills regarding money management, personal health maintenance, and family relationships. Finally, physicians must wisely choose their path to international service, including decisions about a professional specialty, a community to serve, a sending organization, and language learning needs.
Choosing Your Path To Service
Abstract: Desire to assist the poorest of the poor is a wonderful virtue. But several profound personal decisions stand between a well-meaning healthcare professional and actual service of this nature. These decisions include selection of a professional specialty, international medicine training, a particular community to serve, a sending organization, language learning, and one's time commitment. Decisions must also be made concerning one's service modality, be it primary patient care, teaching, research, leadership and/or public health initiatives. Decision-making is a skill. Time and discipline are necessary to develop it. Better decisions result when one first prays for wisdom, lists the options, gets qualified recommendations, and makes no hurried judgments.
Please click here to download Nicholas Comninellis' curriculum vitae
Please click here to download Nicholas Comninellis' photograph
Please contact INMED to explore any of these presentation options.