What is a PCP Medical Ambassador?
A PCP Medical Ambassador is a compassionate, dedicated medical professional volunteer investing their skills in service to Congo.
The Medical Ambassador program seeks to come alongside our partners in Congo for lasting change. We believe in training-the-trainers and learning from our Congolese medical colleagues who are experts in their field. Though they may not have the same resources, they are highly capable and experienced in caring for the people in their communities. Our goal is to come alongside in support and be transformed.
Current Training Programs
"When western doctors visit, they can treat people, but they will go home. However, through training, we can improve our skills and we can care for our own people."
Pediatric Care: Helping Babies Breathe
Astrid Wombalando, nurse, received the Helping Babies Breathe training course. She is now a Master Trainer and travels to train other nurses in life-saving skills.
Maternal Health: Helping Mothers Survive
Ann-Marie Zuku, a nurse at the IPOK clinic in Gemena, DRC, received a training called “Helping Mothers Survive: Bleeding After Birth.”
Malnutrition
Addressing Severe Acute Malnutrition in DR Congo
In countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), major causes of child mortality are birth asphyxia (death within minutes [...]
Diabetes/Hypertension
New Diabetes/Hypertension Curriculum in Development
For nearly a year now, a resource group of PCP Medical Ambassadors have been in discussion with their Congolese counterparts [...]
Trips to Congo
Medical Ambassador teams travel to Congo several times per year to build relationships, meet with their medical colleagues, and train in specific skills and procedures. Not every volunteer will travel to Congo; we have opportunities for volunteers to support the work from home.
Ways to Give
PCP Medical Ambassadors
A key element to changed lives is the PCP Medical Ambassadors “training of the trainers” approach, which trains and equip local doctors and nurses in specific skills.
PCP Medical Ambassadors Training Supplies
The PCP Medical Ambassadors research and procure training materials, supplies, medicines, and equipment that is appropriate for resource-limited contexts and highly skilled teams. These materials are often expensive. Support our training supply fund to help provide these necessary items.
PCP Medical Ambassadors Travel Fund
Support the costs of PCP Medical Ambassadors who travel to DR Congo to build relationships, meet with their medical colleagues, and train in specific skills and procedures.
How to Join Us
If you are a student, currently in practice, or retired, and have always wondered how you can use your training in international service, this program is for you! Get in touch with us to find out how you can get involved.
Read more about our partners, methods, and values in our booklet.
Request more information and join our newsletter.
Questions? Contact us.
Phil Ditto
Director of International Medical and Health Programs
(773) 907-3309
phil.ditto@paulcarlson.org
Medical Ambassador Stories
Our Medical Ambassadors are dedicated to working alongside their Congolese colleagues to learn, grow, and support the work in Congo. Here are a few stories of their experiences and challenges along the way. To receive these stories by email, sign up for our newsletter!
On Saturday, March 9, the ECC Executive Board approved the nomination of Dr. Eric Gunnoe to the PCP Board of Directors, and it was approved unanimously. Welcome to the PCP Board, Eric! Below is a brief biography, written by Eric.
At the beginning of 2024, the PCP Medical Ambassadors held three virtual conferences. The goal was to share their work […]
11/20/2023 Craig Anderson, PCP’s now former Director of Medical and Health Programs, retired on Nov. 10, 2023. We are thankful [...]
11/17/2023 In September 2023, Craig Anderson led a group of PCP Medical Ambassadors to DR Congo. This nine-person team (seven [...]
09/21/2023 Paul Carlson Partnership (PCP) is pleased to announce that Phil Ditto has joined the PCP team as Director of [...]
A nine-person team will be traveling to DR Congo from September 6-18. Our purpose is to train Congolese providers in techniques that will improve the medical and dental health of the 1.4 million people in the Covenant Church of Congo (CEUM) health system. We will be training in three areas, ultrasound, dental care, and maternal health.