The Indispensable Role of General Practitioners in Disaster Medicine and Conflict Zones: A Personal Perspective.

Dr Hadia Aslam; UK qualified General Practitioner, performing minor surgery on a Syrian female living in a refugee camp in Lebanon, Beqaa.

Introduction

As I reflect on my experiences as a General Practitioner (GP) in disaster medicine and conflict zones, my heart swells with a deep sense of purpose. I offer my services pro-bono 8 months out of the year to multiple healthcare projects internationally, in conflict and disaster zones. I have witnessed first-hand the immense challenges faced by communities torn apart by natural disasters and conflicts. In these moments of despair, my fellow GP colleagues have continued to become beacons of hope, providing not only medical expertise but also empathy, compassion, and a holistic approach to care.

In this personal article, I will share my journey and shed light on the invaluable skills possessed by GPs, emphasizing the urgent need for General Practice to be recognized as a specialty in Disaster Medicine.

A Personal Journey

Having founded two UK registered international Medical and Dental charities, Health Point Foundation and Endless Medical Advantage, my commitment to serving refugee communities and those affected by wars and natural disasters is deeply ingrained. These experiences have allowed me to consult for numerous NGOs and deliver trainings to healthcare professionals worldwide. Working closely with asylum seekers, refugees, unaccompanied minors and internally displaced persons, I have gained intimate frontline knowledge over the last decade and witnessed the immense impact that GPs can have in these settings.

Lateral Thinking and Quick Clinical Decision-Making

In the chaos of disaster and conflict zones, lateral thinking becomes a lifeline. As a GP, I have honed the ability to think outside the box, adapt my knowledge, and find innovative solutions to complex medical problems, bearing in mind constantly the uncertainty imposed by the ever so complex local and international geopolitical factors. This skill is crucial when resources are scarce, and specialists are few and far between. Our quick clinical decision-making is paramount, enabling us to swiftly identify life-threatening conditions, provide immediate care, and save precious lives with the ABC technique or by simply giving antibiotics. The responsibility and pressure we face in these situations are immense, but our adaptability, knowledge of various medical specialties and determination to make a difference propels us though the daily challenges faced as a humanitarian volunteer.

Effective Triage and Working with Limited Resources

Imagine standing amidst the ruins of a devastated community, where hospitals lie in rubble, and resources are scarce. Water is unclean, shelters are not weatherproofed, infectious diseases are common due to densely living communities in refugee camps and nourishment is restricted to bread and coffee. GPs excel in these environments, utilising their expertise in triage to categorise patients based on urgency and allocate resources accordingly. With limited access to investigations and sophisticated medical technology, we rely on our clinical acumen, physical examinations, and intuition to diagnose and treat patients. Our adaptability and resourcefulness shine through as we navigate the challenging landscape, ensuring that every individual receives the care they desperately need to get them to the next stage in their journey, alive.

Cultural Understanding and Empathy

Disaster and conflict zones are often marked by displaced populations, diverse cultures, and language barriers. GPs bring a deep understanding of cultural issues impacting health, allowing us to connect with patients on a profound level. Through empathy and cultural sensitivity, we establish trust, break down barriers, and provide patient-centered care. Our ability to navigate cultural beliefs, communicate effectively, and tailor healthcare approaches to align with local norms is vital in healing both physical and emotional wounds. Often our antenna for information in community settings of safeguarding triggers is on high alert and through our highly refined communication skills, we can identify cases at risk.

Negotiation, Advocacy, and Leadership

In disaster and conflict zones, GPs must go beyond medical expertise. We possess strong negotiation and advocacy skills, advocating for the most vulnerable, amplifying their voices, and fighting for their rights to access quality healthcare. As leaders within healthcare teams, we manage staff, coordinate resources, and inspire collaboration. The breadth of our skills, from diplomacy to crisis management, equips us to navigate the complex dynamics of these challenging environments very well and I personally have found my GP background to be instrumental in developing two international NGOs serving patients in Europe, the Middle East as well as the Subcontinent. In the last 10 years of delivering this work, I have found myself to be the nominated leader by volunteers when crisis has hit due to the unique leadership qualities I possess. Their dependence on my critical thinking and communication skills is usually the reasons why I have been asked to represent them on many platforms.

Call for Recognition and Support

It is high time that General Practice be officially recognised as a sub-specialty in Disaster medicine. The unique skill set of GPs, in particular our community orientation combined with our personal commitment and experience, positions us as indispensable assets in disaster response efforts. Governments, international organizations, and medical institutions must acknowledge the vital role GPs play and provide the necessary resources, training, and support to further enhance our capabilities. By officially recognising General Practice as a specialty in this field, we can maximize the potential of GPs and ensure comprehensive and sustainable healthcare in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

As I continue my journey as a GP in disaster medicine and conflict zones, I am inspired by the resilience and strength of the communities I serve. As GPs our role extends far beyond providing medical care; it is about standing in solidarity while we try bringing hope, healing, and resources to those in dire need. With our lateral thinking, quick clinical decision-making, effective triage skills, and ability to work with limited resources, GPs are uniquely positioned to make a profound impact in these challenging settings long-term and not just in the emergency and immediate phases.