Q: As a non-medical spouse of a medical professional where would I fit in medical missions? How could we find a placement that fits both of us?

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A: You will fit almost any place.

Answer from David, an physician internist who has served for five years in Honduras and coordinates the medical aspects of several community development groups.
You will fit every place. Almost everybody in the States knows more about good health practices than is known in the third world!

A: Many ways.

Answer from Harold Adolph, MD, who served in three Ethiopian hospitals over 30 years performing more than 25,000 operations.
Raising the next generation of missionary physicians and missionaries is underrated. Some of the best missionaries come from the environment where the wife and mother recognized that her role was taking good care of the children and teaching them and helping her children memorize scriptures. Demonstrating the Christian family in an overseas situation is a very needed area of involvement. Women and children's ministries abound.

A: Many ways.

Answer from Cynthia Hale, MD, MPH. Cynthia and her physician husband, Tom, served in Nepal under the United Mission to Nepal. For their first 12 years in Nepal they served in a remote rural mission hospital where Tom served as both surgeon and medical director and Cynthia served as pediatrician and family physician.
In my experience, a woman can use her home for ministry. The children can also join in for ministry. You don't have to have a position. But if you wish to hold down a job many missions are open to that as well.

Through the mission agency, or through other experienced medical missionaries, you can get lots of tips and support. Such a partnership is
exciting and rewarding.

A: Many ways.

Answer from David, an oral surgeon who served in Africa for 10 years and has now been in Asia for four years.
There are just too many opportunities in the field for spouses married to health care professionals. You can help national institutions in many areas of need that are not related to health. You can also get involved in helping the local believers in areas that you are gifted. There are also many areas that you could be involved in developing communities. All you need is a willing heart to serve.