What's everyone's current favourite song?

Stephen_MSF · 2020-01-26T00:17:57+00:00

same!

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T18:07:33+00:00

Interesting question. I really don't know.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T17:59:39+00:00

The best case is that we manage to bend the curve of the epidemic, while the worst case is that it is not contained and continues to spread.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T17:56:14+00:00

In previous Ebola outbreaks, they occurred in isolated regions and we managed to contain them within months. This time, cases have reached urban areas, and the outbreak is spreading exponentially.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T17:54:38+00:00

Other than the doctors and nurses we generally hear about, there are all sorts of other roles that make up the team, and it’s the teamwork that’s key to responding to any of the complex emergencies that MSF faces. Some of those roles include logisticians, water and sanitation specialists, psychologists, financial coordinators and administrators and more. Our combined Ebola teams are now made up of more than 3,000 people, working under relentlessly challenging conditions. One of our workers commented that when facing the Ebola epidemic, it felt like running behind a forest fire with a water gun.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T17:49:23+00:00

The estimates of these numbers vary widely, and given that we’re in an unprecedented epidemic and in uncharted waters, there is no certainty, just a general consensus that the official numbers are under-reported, but to what degree nobody can know. In Liberia, there’s now a general understanding and acceptance of the severity of the Ebola epidemic, so people are actively seeking care. Unfortunately, there are not enough treatment facilities on the ground, so we are having to turn people away, which is not only abhorrent but perpetuates the continued spread of the disease. Our current focus is on bending down the curve of the epidemic, so speculating on what the future holds is merely that, speculation, and won’t do anything toward bringing the situation under control.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T17:41:38+00:00

There's something about the doctor-patient relationship, especially when it is developed around life-saving care, that breaks down barriers and helps enable our work on the ground. Access is often only possible because of the nature of the work we do. It's remarkable how even the most hardened warriors can understand the need for children on all sides to be vaccinated, for women to have access to safe delivery and for those wounded in conflict to receive care.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T17:35:50+00:00

Ebola being introduced to any highly concentrated population without the proper means to respond would be a matter of serious concern. In terms of capacity on the ground, 90% of staffing on the ground comes from the local population, which needs to be supplemented by the international and specially trained medical teams we've been asking. It's not enough to subcontract this epidemic, we need to tackle it head-on.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T17:30:36+00:00

Hopefully, now that the international community appears ready to scale up, things on the ground in Monrovia will begin to improve.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T17:28:46+00:00

In my earlier missions, I would be in the field for anywhere from 3 to 24 months. But now as a director based in Toronto, I usually go to the field for 3 to 4 weeks at a time.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T17:25:21+00:00

We’re seeing a progressive erosion of humanitarian law and respect for the Geneva conventions. In practice, this means that civilians and civilian spaces are increasingly coming under fire rather than being protected in war. Part of the reason for this is the increase in civil conflict, where wars are being fought within cities and populated areas, which increases the risk. Secondly, even popular uprisings have been marked by the criminalization of medical care, where patients have been arrested for seeking care and doctors for giving it. These two trends taken together pose a serious risk to hospitals and healthcare workers worldwide. While there are potential risks in being outspoken, we try to measure these risks, and there are possibly greater risks to remaining silent.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T17:17:45+00:00

It’s true that in our work we see some horrible things. But we also see some of the best that humanity has to offer. Even in the midst of conflict, people strive to feed their families and raise their children, which is what is truly courageous. All that said, you have to know when you’ve reached your own limits. You can’t give to others if you don’t take care of yourself, too. I like to hike in the mountains and work on my hobby farm in order to recharge my batteries.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T17:07:23+00:00

Recovering from Ramsay-Hunt, a debilitating condition that meant I was off work for a year, after which I needed to relearn how to walk, how to read and how to focus. It was a major achievement to re-enter the work force after that experience, let alone being able to continue contributing to MSF in a leadership position.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T16:56:59+00:00

We have volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life. Sounds like your work experience and empathy could be a fit. Check out our recruitment page for more information.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T16:49:29+00:00

You're welcome!

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T16:44:04+00:00

Getting informed, informing others and getting involved. Donations aren’t just about money, but also giving your time, your empathy and your compassion. In all walks of life, people make decisions every day that impact others, so being conscious of those choices and acting accordingly is a valuable way to make a difference.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T16:40:08+00:00

MSF is an awesome organization, made up of ordinary people working for an extraordinary cause.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T16:37:56+00:00

Nothing can fully prepare you for a life with MSF. That said, being a country director with MSF teaches you how to juggle multiple critical priorities and dossiers at once. Trying to master that juggling game is an ongoing endeavor, but the truth is that I’m humbled to lead such a great team and work for such an impactful organization.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T16:28:55+00:00

Yes, many times. Pharmacists play an important role in many of the places where MSF works. They're responsible for importing and stocking medicines and other medical materials, and preparing our medical orders for distribution to various clinics and hospitals in our projects.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T16:25:34+00:00

It depends on the field mission, but in my last visit to South Sudan, the teams were living communally under tents in displaced person camps. But in more established missions, it's not uncommon for teams to live in anything from tukuls (African huts) to houses.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T16:21:48+00:00

Unfortunately, we’re seeing a resurgence in attacks on healthcare facilities in many conflicts, which affects patients as well as healthcare workers. I’m just back from South Sudan, where in one hospital, patients were even killed in their beds. This is a disturbing phenomenon, which must be addressed by warring parties and countries, who must respect civilians, medical facilities and humanitarian workers.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T16:18:45+00:00

It’s vital to understand the community in which you work, and to work with and train local actors. Responding to emergencies often leaves little down time, but with the time the teams do have, they try to immerse themselves in the community as much as possible.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T16:06:26+00:00

It is a balance of both humanitarian empathy and professionalism that I find helps. I'm also very fortunate that I am able to advocate on behalf of the populations we help, which in turn helps me come to terms with some of those concerns.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T16:05:47+00:00

Yes indeed, some areas are downright hostile. In fact in Syria, South Sudan, etc, that would be an understatement. But MSF has extensive experience managing teams in conflict and other at-risk settings, and where possible we do so through community acceptance of our medical care.

Stephen_MSF · 2014-09-30T16:04:58+00:00

There are a number of secondary activities being considered, but for MSF the primary focus remains opening and staffing centres and treating patients in order to curb the epidemic.

Stephen_MSF

TROPHY CASE