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Professional and Personal Development

Practicing Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in the Developing World

Monday, October 2, 2023
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM East Coast USA Time
Location: 204

    Mentor(s)

  • James P. Murphy, MD

    Head of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana
    Kearny, NJ, United States

    • Lead Presenter(s)

  • Zahrah M. Taufique, MD

    Assistant Clinical Professor,Specialties: Pediatric Otolaryngology, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive
    NYU Langone Health: Department of Otolaryngology
    Brooklyn, New York, United States

Disclosure(s):
James P. Murphy, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Zahrah M. Taufique, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Given the disparity of healthcare between the developed and developing world, practicing ENT in an impoverished area can provide a unique and challenging experience for both the young otolaryngologist just starting out and the senior otolaryngologist considering a meaningful option to relaxing on the beach or golf course. Based on my fifteen years of full time practice in the Northern Region of Ghana, West Africa, my presentation would address the prerequisites for such an undertaking along with its pros and cons. Practical advice regarding such topics as funding, financial support and the logistics of navigating the bureaucracy of a foreign country will also be discussed. With limited access to medical and surgical care throughout many parts of the world, my goal is to encourage ENT colleagues to consider this invaluable opportunity.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Motivate participants to undertake a commitment to lessen the world’s disparity of ENT care with a proper understanding of its benefits and hardships.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Inform participants about the resources, organizations and tasks necessary to provide the practice of otolaryngology in an impoverished area.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Demonstrate the happiness, joys and satisfaction of contributing to the welfare of the developing world.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: After working fifteen years full time, on-site at Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana the need to help in the developing world is obvious. Due to the poverty of the developing world, there is no way that modern otolaryngology can be practiced without assistance from the developed world.