Confronting Inhumanity Through Medicine (with Dr. Christos Christou)

When it comes to medical humanitarianism, there is no bigger name than Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known in English as Doctors Without Borders. MSF is renowned for its work in regions affected by armed conflict, endemic diseases, and natural disasters. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Christos Christou, a Greek surgeon who has served as the international president of MSF since 2019. As a field doctor, he has worked in South Sudan, Iraq, Cameroon, and various other conflict zones. Over the course of our conversation, Dr. Christou takes us into the trenches of his medical work in caring for some of the most vulnerable people in the world, shares how he finds meaning and hope amid the depths of human suffering, and discusses the challenges to global health today.In this episode, you will hear about:How the values of his self-described “rustic” childhood led Dr. Christou into medicine - 2:28How Dr. Christou’s time in university shaped his life philosophy - 3:27The history and mission of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders - 5:59What it is like to practice medicine in regions affected by armed conflict and natural disasters - 8:13Dr. Christou’s journey in MSF, from when he first heard of it to how he became its leader - 10:42Lessons learned on finding meaning in medicine in some of the most resource-limited settings - 13:41Dr. Christou’s stories of inspiring hope in patients even during incredibly challenging times - 16:19A discussion of the dangers faced by clinicians who work with MSF - 19:54The significance of bearing witness to suffering in giving a voice to vulnerable patients - 23:11A discussion of the major threats to global health today: climate change, epidemics, and war - 26:25Advice for new clinicians who wish to tackle issues in global health - 30:00Follow Dr. Christos on Twitter @DrChristou.Visit our website www.TheDoctorsArt.com where you can find transcripts of all episodes.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our show, available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you know of a doctor, patient, or anyone working in health care who would love to explore meaning in medicine with us on the show, feel free to leave a suggestion in the comments or send an email to [email protected] The Doctor’s Art Podcast 2022

Om Podcasten

The practice of medicine–filled with moments of joy, suffering, grace, sorrow, and hope–offers a window into the human condition. Though serving as guides and companions to patients’ illness experiences is profoundly meaningful work, the busy nature of modern medicine can blind its own practitioners to the reasons they entered it in the first place. Join resident physician Henry Bair and oncologist Tyler Johnson as they meet with doctors, patients, leaders, educators, and others in healthcare, to explore stories on finding and nourishing meaning in medicine. This podcast is for anyone striving for a deeper connection with their medical journey. Visit TheDoctorsArt.com for more information.