“Health Warning! Teaching for SMMHEP could become addictive.”Dr Heather Gardiner, Retired Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
THE WORKSMMHEP has previously supported both short and long-term volunteers, however, due to a shift in local needs, at present only support SMMHEP Lecturers. SMMHEP Lecturers are typically based in Malawi for three to twelve months. Their main role is in the teaching and supervising postgraduate psychiatry trainees. 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.SMMHEP Lecturers 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.SMMHEP Lecturers 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. They are also encouraged to write about their experiences, but any sort of publication should be discussed with the Head of Department and SMMHEP trustees.Get in touch:The project would be delighted to hear from psychiatrists who would be interested in becoming a SMMHEP Lecturer. Please contact:sarahleslie.smmhep@gmail.com