An elective term in Malawi inspired students to make a difference in medical aid.
When, at the end of 2000, medical students Greg Fox and Greg Moloney travelled from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to Blantyre, Malawi, Africa, to complete an elective term at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, they witnessed a health system drastically hampered by a shortage of medical resources. On return to Australia, they resolved to "give back" to those in the developing world who had taught and welcomed them so generously. With the support of other UNSW medical students, the Medical Students' Aid Project (MSAP) was born. Our non-profit, student-run, volunteer organisation is the first of its kind in Australia. Our primary goal is to deliver targeted medical aid to hospitals in developing countries.
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
The members of MSAP are greatly indebted to all our supporters, without whom our success would not have been possible. Special thanks to the Faculty of Medicine (UNSW), UNSW Foundation, UNSW Union, Gaye Casper, Peter Brophy (Global Medical Support Incorporated), Peter Aston (Waverley Works Depot), Area Health Services of NSW, Crows Nest, Bondi Junction and Wahroonga Rotary Clubs, and the Tongan Consulate General.