Doctors Without Borders is one of the biggest international nonprofit medical humanitarian organizations that provides emergency medical treatments to victims of war, famine, natural disasters, man-made disasters, and people with certain disabilities. It aids people despite their location, religion, or political beliefs. The organization was founded in 1971 in France by a group of journalists and doctors. Throughout the years, it has contributed immensely to the field of humanitarian aid. Below are some of its most significant accomplishments.

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Doctors Without Borders was able to construct a hospital in just three weeks in the Tasnimarkhola camp in Bangladesh. The hospital is equipped with an emergency room, an intensive care unit, a sterilization unit, and its own pharmacy. Within its first month of operation, the hospital was able to admit 220 patients, half of which suffered from measles.

Conflict zones are no stranger to Doctors Without Borders as its volunteers also treated war-wounded victims in Taiz, one of the most intense conflict zones in Yemen. To this day, Doctors Without Borders remains as one of the few steadfast organizations committed to working in this war-torn region.

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Treating refugees throughout the decades is also one of the major accomplishments of Doctors Without Borders, particularly those in the central Mediterranean. In collaboration with SOS MEDITERRANEE, the organization was able to rescue 3,645 people and safely bring them to Italy.

Tup Ingram, M.D., is a medical doctor, Juris Doctor, and an MBA degree holder based in Nashville, Tennessee. He had worked with Operation Smile, Habitat for Humanity, Doctors Without Borders, and the Viennese Opera Ball of New York City. For similar reads, click here.

 

Who Can Join Doctors Without Borders?

Doctors Without Borders has been creating an impact in many parts of the world for years. The renowned organization has also been providing many medical professionals to use their knowledge and skills to save the lives of many. Those who want to join the team must undergo screenings and fulfill the requirements listed below:

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Volunteer or work-related experience outside the U.S.

For applicants coming from the U.S., having travel, volunteer, or work experience outside the country is required. Joining Doctors Without Borders means stepping out of one’s comfort zone and having prior experience before joining the team will help a person manage responsibility and quickly adjust to the area of assignment.

Availability for a minimum of 9 to 12 months

Most of the medical professionals who want to join the organization must commit to a minimum of 9 to 12 months because the nature of the assignment requires a person to acclimatize to the project and context. It also helps to spend a few months to truly be immersed in the culture and the specific needs of the people one will be serving.

At least two years of professional practice

Physicians, except for surgeons, OB-GYNs, and anesthesia providers, must have finished their residency before applying for a position. As for nurses, a minimum of three years working experience is required.

Aside from these three, applicants must fulfill other requirements to be able to join the elite team of medical professionals who are making an impact in bringing medical aid to people in developing countries.

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Valuing the importance of giving back, reconstructive and plastic surgeon Tup Ingram, M.D. has worked with Operation Smile, Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, and the Viennese Opera Ball of New York City. Visit this page for updates in the medical field.