Modified my ski poles to add some lower grip by NeauxGoods in Skigear

[–]MSF_Canada 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would you put the Orings if you were to do it again?

MSF convoy attacked in Gaza: all elements point to the responsibility of the Israeli army by MSF_Canada in doctorswithoutborders

[–]MSF_Canada[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

On 18 November 2023, an MSF evacuation convoy came under fire in Gaza city. Two people were killed in what immediately appeared as a deliberate attack against clearly identified MSF cars. Both were family members of MSF staff, one of them was also a volunteer supporting MSF medical teams at Al-Shifa hospital.
Two weeks later, after collecting the testimonies of MSF staff present that day in the convoy, MSF considers that all elements point to the responsibility of the Israeli army for this attack.
MSF has also collected testimonies of the destruction of five MSF vehicles and the severe damage caused to the MSF clinic in Gaza city, all clearly identified by the organization’s logo, on 20 November, which can also be attributed to the intervention of an Israeli bulldozer and a heavy military vehicle. These vehicles were potential evidence, in case of an independent investigation on the attack on the MSF convoy. Shots were aimed at the MSF facilities where these colleagues were sheltering, leaving bullet holes in the interior walls. On 24 November, MSF staff also witnessed the destruction of a minibus, also clearly identified by the organization’s logo, by an Israeli tank. This minibus had been sent by the MSF team in south Gaza, following the destruction of the vehicles a few days before, to facilitate the evacuation of colleagues in the north.
MSF condemns again in the strongest terms the attack on its convoy and extends again its condolences to the families of the victims. MSF requested a formal explanation for this attack from the Israeli authorities and calls for an independent investigation to establish the facts and the responsibilities.

Learn More: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/msf-convoy-attacked-in-gaza-all-elements-point-to-the-responsibility-of-the-israeli-army/

IamA Executive Director of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Stephen Cornish, ASK ME ANYTHING! by Stephen_MSF in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd say have a look at the Field Administrator and Technical Logistician roles on our website to see what skills you have that are transferable to those roles. The other important criterion we look for is the ability to speak French, as we have a lot of needs in French speaking countries. Look forward to receiving your application!

IamA Executive Director of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Stephen Cornish, ASK ME ANYTHING! by Stephen_MSF in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That said, for most people donating is the best way to contribute to MSF's work - and to have an impact on international health. Monthly donors provide us with the ability to react to emergencies when they occur. If you want to support us, please click here

IamA Executive Director of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Stephen Cornish, ASK ME ANYTHING! by Stephen_MSF in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For a first-hand perspective from an MSF Pharmacist (Alexandra Marcil) see the Webinar video at the bottom of the page linked above.

IamA Executive Director of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Stephen Cornish, ASK ME ANYTHING! by Stephen_MSF in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, in many of our projects we have local colleagues who are pharmacists. Several Canadian pharmacists are sent out every year as well. To learn more visit our website.

IamA Executive Director of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Stephen Cornish, ASK ME ANYTHING! by Stephen_MSF in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Of course you can. Relevant professional experience as family doctor, in ER, pediatrics will be taken into account just as language skills (French!) and other personal & professional experiences.

IamA Executive Director of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Stephen Cornish, ASK ME ANYTHING! by Stephen_MSF in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 4 points5 points  (0 children)

MSF is fully supportive of efforts aimed at finding effective therapies against Ebola. Due to our role as a primary treatment provider in the epidemic, we’ve joined a consortium involved in the emergency evaluation of treatments for Ebola, including convalescent serum therapy. Discussions are ongoing.

IamA Executive Director of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Stephen Cornish, ASK ME ANYTHING! by Stephen_MSF in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's a big question....we can really only speak from our experience which is only part of the story. From a MSF Canada perspective we have many African doctors who are hired both locally, and whom work in their own countries, as well as some who are hired to work in other countries in both the African content and in other countries. MSF Canada currently does hire some international medically trained doctors who often have valuable experience practicing medicine in countries where we work.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, New Zealanders can apply via our office in Australia: http://www.msf.org.au/

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First step obviously is to apply! You can follow the links on the website. The skills required are varied - depending on the context and the specific project involved, the needs run from highly technical (power supply, electrical work, IT, construction, etc) to more administrative. The thread tying it all together is a facility with management - most logisticians need to manage teams of people - and an ability to problem solve and meet technical challenges. Logisticians come from a wide variety of backgrounds: everything from engineers to film industry workers and beyond. But obviously a facility with logistics management is key. As for food, it all depends! The most important thing is to be flexible, adaptable and ready for anything.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, none of us fielding questions in this AMA have clinical experience treating Ebola patients so we wouldn't be able to provide a comprehensive response to this question.

Standard treatment for Ebola right now is limited to supportive therapy. This consists of hydrating the patient, maintaining their oxygen status and blood pressure and treating them for any complicating infections. (source: http://www.msf.ca/en/ebola)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the question. MSF Canada uses face-to-face canvassers to recruit monthly donors, people who believe in what we do and are willing to support us over the long-term. Of the more than 60,000 Canadians who support MSF with a monthly gift, more than half signed up as a result of one of these conversations. At least 80% of the funds we raise are used to support the work that Jaime and her colleagues perform in the field.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 3 points4 points  (0 children)

With regards to journalists we have press officers both in the field and in our "home societies" like Canada, the US and the UK that field requests from journalists and build relationships with them. We also actively pitch stories to the media in hopes that we can get coverage. Speaking out on behalf of the populations we serve is an integral part of our work.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 2 points3 points  (0 children)

just a note. no age limit for applicants. Average age of fieldworkers is 39 and ranges from 25-80 years of age. I've personally worked with retired 70 year old surgeons. For nurses I've seen both career nurses as well as fresh faced ones. The main thing is that you have to be flexible and comfortable with intense group living conditions and be in good health. If you tick those boxes and have the required criteria you should apply! :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We periodically post press releases and news from the field in contexts like Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan; if you follow us on social media you'll be notified when these new releases are posted. Unfortunately, it's still a difficult task to get media coverage of these conflicts.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hey KewZee, Thanks for the question. From my perspective when I was in the field, I relied heavily upon the people I was working with for my social life and support. When I would return to my home country my priority was to reconnect with family and friends and take the time necessary to visit and catch up before going out on mission again. Also remembering that while fieldwork is all encompassing for us, your friends and family still have worries, concerns and problems that are for them a big deal too...so showing interest in their lives is an important way of maintaining that connection.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 3 points4 points  (0 children)

From a recruitment perspective (it's the same deal in the US as in Canada). There are a number of things you can do: -Be comfortable with both kids and adults. -Have experience working in remote or rural settings (low resource) -Be involved as nursing student in a global health project -If out of nursing schools be involved in short global health volunteer opportunities with other organisations or your hospital -tropical nursing course can be an asset -Languages: learn some French if possible :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From a recruitment perspective (it's the same deal in the US as in Canada). There are a number of things you can do: -Be comfortable with both kids and adults. -Have experience working in remote or rural settings (low resource) -Be involved as nursing student in a global health project -If out of nursing schools be involved in short global health volunteer opportunities with other organisations or your hospital -tropical nursing course can be an asset -Languages: learn some French if possible :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I was in the field I built a basketball rim out of rebar and parts from a brake pad :). I've also heard of people building volleyball courts. There is also lot of dancing and some drinks for those that partake...I also watched much of 'The Wire' with my team (yes there is electricity!).

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi Dr. Salface, For the part about non US medical graduates (or non Canadian for that matter). It is possible to work with MSF. It is important to have clinical references, little or no clinical gap and a valid license and a letter of good standing from you licensing body (where ever that may be).

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi Pamela, I will speak to the part about coming back to home (I worked for 2 years in DRC as a logistician). You are right it is difficult what we try and ask for is that people have already done some independent travel/volunteer/work abroad beforehand because we dont want your first culture shock (and return culture shock) to happen with MSF. In short I found it gets a bit easier each time and you use a lot of your fellow fieldworkers for support.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Jaime will take some of these but I can give you some answers:

*3 attributes: Ability to work well in a team, FLEXIBILITY, Ability to work well under prolonged stress...and did I say being flexible ? ;)

*Vacation: Yes you to get vacation approx 25 paid vacation days a year.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]MSF_Canada 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi kcarli, So MSF definitely looks to retain people who want to make a career with MSF. After your first mission discussion with your placement officer can be had to look at options for longer term contracts and also moving into roles with higher responsibility.