Roles of Islamic Medical Organizations in modeling Mini-Med Schools: A periodic analysis of public lectures of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Chapter of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Mini-Med Schools serve as an outreach medical education program of some American medical colleges and universities to their host community. The schools provide medical lectures to willing members of the community in simple, everyday language over a course of few days or weeks. This idea of Mini—Med schools is rare here in Nigeria, as neither the conventional medical schools nor related professional bodies have any such programs. This study thematically analyzes the periodic public lectures of a chapter of a faith-based professional body in modeling and providing Mini-Med school programs to its host community. Methodology: Public lectures organized by the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Chapter of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria were qualitatively analyzed over a 5-year period (2008-2012). Non- medical lectures too were included and analyzed. Results Half of all the 18 public lectures organized over the period under review followed Mini-Med school syllabus and it was relevant to the host community. Thematic issues identified were: doctor-patient relationship (M1); teamwork and development (M2); health workers investment (M3); death and dying (M4); and community health education (M5). All were provided to address the ‘faith-based’ question regarding health in the community. Conclusion: The need for this and other faith-based organizations to use their public lectures to help the host community understand these identified thematic issues and other related healthcare community programs were identified.