This is an introductory course into clinical humanitarian medicine designed by medical specialists with practical experience in the field. The course curriculum provides core content but works beyond didactic lectures and allows for discussion around the nuance in humanitarian medicine and applying them to context.

We will cover clinical topics that are more commonly experienced in the global south but are exceptionally rare in Ireland. These will be covered through simulation, table-top exercises, and even a walk-thru ward round to discuss clinical topics.

We will also touch on important issues such as teaching & research, humanitarian ethics, and climate change and its impact on humanitarian emergencies.

This is not a Preparation for Primary Departure (PPD) course. Most humanitarian organisations will provide PPD courses which will include important non-clinical topics - these are essential courses but do not typically involve clinical content.

This is not a standard resuscitation course. You will not hear the acronym ABCDE once.

This is not a replacement for the Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (DTMH) or the Masters in Public Health/Global Health. One could consider these a form of entry and exit exam for the sub-specialty of humanitarian healthcare.

This course is for doctors working in the medical specialties (e.g. medical, paediatrics, emergency medicine, critical care, general practice) with an interest in pursuing a career in humanitarian medicine. The course is designed in a way that it can be delivered to those with a range of experience, from intern to consultant specialist.

The reason this course is aimed at medical specialists is that traditionally the majority of clinical humanitarian medical courses have been designed for specialists who work in the operating theatre (obstetric, surgical and anaesthetists). We believe there is a considerable gap in this pre-departure training for medics.

Course Co-Director

Clinical Lead for the Emergency Medicine Programme, JFK Hospital, Monrovia, Liberia

Dr. Hessou is on currently on leave from Liberia to work on a training secondment in Cape Town, South Africa.

Course Co-Director

Consultant in Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Galway

Jimmy has worked in ICUs, EDs, and Trauma Surgery in Palestine, South Africa, Afghanistan, Liberia, and Nigeria. He has worked for MSF and local government.

Commitments to the course include academic faculty from University of Galway, Trinity College Dublin, University College London, as well as other practitioners currently working international NGOs.

Due to the nature of humanitarian work, some faculty may change for the course due to sudden deployment overseas.