The Challenge of Continuing Education

Many of you probably understand that all doctors in the United States are required to acquire continuing medical education in order to maintain licensure.  So . . .  why should that matter to a missionary doctor you might ask?  Well, for several reasons, not the least of which is my desire to try to stay up-to-date with current medical knowledge.  But more pressingly, in order to remain licensed in PNG I must remain licensed in the U.S.  Therefore, even when I'm here in PNG I need to keep up on the requirements.

While there are many ways to earn continuing education credits, one of the best ways continues to be live, in person medical conferences.  There are none of these offered in Papua New Guinea.  I can try to attend some during my furlough time while in the U.S. but many of the conferences offered there are not particularly relevant to my work here.  Most missionary physicians have a similar problem.

For a number of years now, the Christian Medical and Dental Society has offered a solution.  Dedicated volunteer faculty from all over the U.S. go out every year to teach CME courses to missionary doctors.  Many of them have either served in the past on the mission field or have volunteered at missionary hospitals.  They understand the conditions under which we practice.  The meetings are designed to also be a time of spiritual refreshment for the missionary families.

The doctors here at Kudjip take turns attending the conference which is held in Thailand.  This coming February its my turn!  The hospital here helps as much as they are able.  There are still many expenses involved that are not covered by other funds.  It will cost about $5000 for Judy and me to go.

Would you prayerfully consider helping us to attend?  If you want to chip in, please send your donation (which is tax deductible) to: Nazarene Financial Services, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66220.  Mark the check "Work of A & J Bennett."

If you prefer to give online, go to this web site.