|
INMED Facebook
Follow On Twitter
Mafraq, Jordan, Middle East
Summary
Annoor Sanatorium is the Middle East's referral center for lung diseases. This forty-bed facility is frequented by patients suffering from multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectatsis, and congestive heart failure. It also offers pediatric care and serves large numbers of malnourished children from Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
While patients normally speak Arabic, INMED students can function in English with translation provided by hospital staff. Responsibilities include inpatient and outpatient care, under the supervision of six American and European trained physicians. The hospital provides housing at no charge, and offers meals at minimal cost to INMED students. Visitors to Annoor may also enjoy the nearby historic city of Petra.
Location"Annoor" in Arabic means "the light." Annoor Sanatorium is located in the city of Mafraq, in the northern part Jordan. "Mafraq" means "crossroads," and indeed Mafraq is located at the intersection of the road leading from Jerusalem to Damascus and the road from Tel Aviv to Baghdad. Given the key location, many military campaigns have used Mafraq as a base of operation, including those of Lawrence of Arabia.
TransportationVisitors should flying into Aman, Jordan. Most flights arrive at night, but visitors should make every effort to arrive during the day. In this way, someone from the hospital will be able to meet you at the airport more easily. The drive to the hospital is two hours, and there is also taxi service that can take you to the hospital for about $40. The airport tax when leaving Jordan is $8.
Visa RequirementAmericans do not need a visa before arriving in Jordan. A visa can be purchased at the airport for $15. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the website for the Jordanian embassy in Washington D.C. at http://www.jordanembassyus.org/
Traveler's Health & SafetyPlease check the CDC travel website for the most up-to-date health information: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. Be certain to have a PPD performed prior to coming to Jordan.
Visitors are advised to regularly check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information regarding travel advisories: http://www.state.gov/travel. Visitors are advised to regularly check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information regarding country specific travel information http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
FacilityMafraq Hospital is primarily a chest disease center and the only site for treatment of multi-drug resistant TB in the Middle East. The facility normally has about 40 inpatients. Mafraq Hospital does not offer surgery or obstetrics, but has an active pediatric practice, including many children with failure to thrive.
PatientsGiven it's excellent reputation, people come to Mafraq Hospital from all over the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. In addition to TB, many patients suffer from asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectatsis, and congestive heart failure. Those with TB normally are housed near the hospital for 2-3 month during the initial phase of treatment.
Medical StaffThe medical staff of Baptist Medical Center consists of about six staff physicians at any one time. Two are Board Certified family physicians from the United States. Nationalities of the other physicians include Germany, Korea, The Netherlands, and Syria. Most of the nursing staff is Jordanian.
LanguageArabic is the official language of Jordan. Medical students and residents will able to work in English, with translation provided by a hospital staff person. Occasional patients speak English.
Student ExperienceTwo to three medical students have come to work at Mafraq Hospital each year for about the last forty years. Clinical responsibilities will normally include daily outpatient clinic, inpatient rounds two or three times each week, and didactic sessions with the attending physicians. Students are constantly under the guidance of an attending physician.
Student Lodging & MealsVisiting students and residents are housed in the hospital guesthouse. A large meal is provided by the hospital at noon each day. The Hospital has Internet access and telephone service.
DiversionThe resort city of Petra is located about a one hour drive from Mafraq. It is home to the World Heritage Site, where several scenes from the Indiana Jones movies were filmed. Petra has movies, shopping and restaurants. One should plan to spend about $300 for a weekend visit to Petra.
Facility SupportINMED invites all participants to consider raising extra funds to donate to support the facility. This is not required but allows INMED participants to become involved in every aspect of medical missions.
DressThis is a Moslem culture, so clothing may be a sensitive issue. Women may wear pants. Skirts should be mid-shin to ankle length. Shirt sleeves should be below the elbows.
What To PackBe sure to pack a carry on-bag that has your essentials just in case your luggage becomes lost. Also, it's usually best to bring two suitcases, each half full. This way you will have space to pack souvenirs for the return trip.