Graduation of the JSMK Class of 2012

From FBR’s Jungle School of Medicine-Kawthoolei (JSMK) Karen State, Burma

On February 8, 2013, FBR’s Jungle School of Medicine-Kawthoolei (JSMK) graduated 18 new medics from different areas of Karen State. Several Karen leaders, as well as villagers and students from a nearby school, and all the JSMK staff gathered to celebrate with the new graduates.

The new medics completed their 12 months of training, including a 2 months’ foundation course (physical training, math, English, science, learning to take a patient history, physical exam, anatomy and physiology). For the next 8 months, the students were taught the common diseases of Karen State and saw patients in OPD (outpatient department, or clinic) and IPD (inpatient department or hospital). In December, the students went on a FBR relief mission to surrounding areas seeing and treating patients in different locations.

Toh, the Karen medical director of JSMK, says, “Life is hard in the jungle for learning, but all the students, staff and teachers enjoyed the whole year. The teachers, staff, and students have to carry food supplies as well as other needs to run a school. No one complains, instead, everyone hopes that this school stands for the future of improving health in Karen State.

We want to thank everyone who supports JSMK through prayer, food, medical and non medical supplies, technical support and teaching. This can only happen through God, with everyone’s help and support.”

Thank you and God bless you, the FBR medical team