Boxing Day will look a bit different this year for MSG specialist audiologist Lawrence Hill as he heads more than 7000 miles away to Malawi as part of a six-week sabbatical.
Lawrence’s trip to the east African country will see him spend four weeks lecturing trainee audiologists in ear and hearing disorders for children and adults with hearing health charity EARS inc.
For 24 years EARS inc. has worked to develop, resource and deliver hearing services in less developed countries. Thanks to cooperation between EARs inc, the Hear the World Foundation, ABC university in Lilongwe and the Malawian Health Board, there is now an internationally recognised university course for the training of audiologists and a handful of qualified audiologists. Lecturers from all over the world, from Australia, South African, the USA and now Guernsey, travel to teach modules of the course.
Lawrence said: “Since the start of my career, I’ve always wanted to help those who suffer the most with hearing and balance problems, and what better way to do that than go to a country, Malawi, which has 100 times more ear disease and hearing loss in children than in Guernsey and until fairly recently had no audiologists for a population of then 16 million people. I am very grateful to work for a company that recognises and supports my passion.”
MSG chief executive officer Jon Buckland said, “We’re delighted to support Lawrence with his trip. We’re extremely lucky to benefit from such experienced clinicians and healthcare provision in Guernsey, and to have the opportunity to share that expertise and support a country to develop its own is a real privilege. We wish Lawrence all the best on his travels.”
