Volunteer

“Health Warning! Teaching for SMMHEP could become addictive.”
Dr Heather Gardiner, Retired Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

THE WORK

SMMHEP and all the work we do, is dependent on volunteers. All the donations we receive are spent on our projects in Malawi. 

SMMHEP has previously supported both short and long-term volunteers, however due to a shift in local needs, at present only support long-term volunteers.

Long-term volunteers are typically based in Malawi for three to twelve months. Their main role is in the teaching of postgraduate psychiatry trainees, of whom there are currently seven, and volunteers may supervise their work. They may also support undergraduate teaching and training of clinical officers and psychiatric nurses. They take part in Department learning events. They also have a role in developing the curriculum and learning materials. They may undertake clinical work in Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, or Zomba Mental Hospital, in which case they need to be registered with the Malawian Medical Council. They are directly responsible to Dr Kulisewa and work under his direction.

Our volunteers can be anyone from experienced higher trainees to retired consultants. What unites them is their professionalism, enjoyment of teaching and ability to improvise when the unexpected happens (power-cuts mid-lecture or torrential downpours over which it is impossible to be heard.) Across Kumuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), we have a reputation for delivering our training, whatever the circumstances.

Volunteers are also encouraged to engage in research, though all projects must be discussed and agreed in advance by the Head of Department, as they may require consent from the KUHeS's medical ethics committee and relevant clinicians. Volunteers are also encouraged to write about their experiences, but any sort of publication should be discussed with the Head of Department and SMMHEP trustees.