Field Medical Advisor (FMA)

Responsibilities

* Provide health advice to members on the field

* Maintain a copy of members’ medical records

* Communicate on specific medical issues with other MAs or non-OMF health care professionals as needed. 

* Communicate with field and home leadership in matters related to the health of members vis-à-vis their fitness for service. This includes risk assessment and recommendations that may affect designation or continued service on the field. 

* Perform or arrange for two-yearly medical examinations for all members and their children. (This is an opportunity for an in-depth discussion of matters of concern to the member, including emotional, psychological, and spiritual matters, not just physical issues. )

Given the National Health Insurance scheme in Taiwan and the availability of specialists in every major medical field, the FMA usually does not provide direct care for members, instead referring them for evaluation or treatment as needed. 

As these member-care duties do not constitute a full-time job, the FMA is free to pursue other ministries as agreed by field leadership, based on the individual's gifts and interests and the vision of OMF in Taiwan.

Qualifications

* Fully qualified physician with an interest in primary care. The exact specialty training is not as important as a concern for whole-person care. 

* Some adminsitrative ability. The FMA is expected to maintain adequate records, schedule examinations, and communicate clearly with members, other health care professionals, and OMF leadership. 

* Christian maturity and high spiritual standards are essential, as is a strong commitment to cross-cultural ministry. Thus, while the focus as FMA is on care of members, there must also be a concern for the spread of the gospel in Taiwan. 

* Medical licensure (registration) in Taiwan for foreign medical graduates requires serving a year of internship in a local hospital and then passing an examination in Mandarin. This may be attempted if desired but is not required for the type of informal medical advice provided to members. It is expected, however, that the FMA will maintain professional qualifications as required by the home country. Medical liability coverage is also required, which is currently available from the UK and paid for from field funds.

Living Situations

* Willing to learn Mandarin or Taiwanese to a high level in order to communicate effectively.

* Need to adjust to a busy, crowded, and often noisy environment. Life in Taiwan is often exciting but also exhausting.

* Taiwanese people are deeply religious. Spiritual attack and demonic activity are not uncommon. Spiritual maturity is needed to deal with these situations.