| dc.description.abstract | Little is known about the Dutch physicians of Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM)– a worldwide unique medical specialism whereby Dutch physicians get trained to work in a Low-and Middle-Income Country (LMIC). The past years during COVID-19 these physicians have shown their capabilities in the Netherlands, they know for example a lot about infectious diseases. More physicians would like to become a Dutch physician of GHTM. The aim of this research is to get a better understanding of the physicians of GHTM and in that way learn more about how they work, why they do it and how they see their role for international
development work. The research found two motivational aspects that influences the Dutch physicians of GHTM. First of all, the physicians are motivated to become a Dutch physician of GHTM because they want to help people. Also, their motivation changes during their lives, through life experiences and gaining knowledge about international development work. It changed from a more charity perspective to a justice perspective, which functioned as their motivation to become a Dutch GHTM and work in a LMIC. The second aspect is that the Dutch physicians of GHTM see their role in international development work as working in a place of hardships and where it is most needed. Social relationships like family, partners and fellow Dutch physicians of GHTM are particularly important in how they see and experience their role in international development work. Also, their individual life situation and salary influences if and how they get involved in international development work.
This research is a qualitative single-case research with as main concept the motivation of the Dutch physicians of GHTM. During this research I have interviewed six physicians of GHTM who have worked in Sierra Leone for the NGOs CapaCare or the Lion Heart Foundation. | |