The Engineering Technology (E-Tech) Training Program is specifically designed in partnership with the Physician Assistant (PA) Program.
The goal is to provide technical support to clinics in harsh jungle environments – to build structures, to create electricity far from the grid and to repair equipment when it fails.
Without an Engineering Technology technician on site, a Physician Assistant can not provide high-quality healthcare.
The Physician Assistants need a dry, clean place to store medicine and equipment. They need electricity to take care of patients at night and run medical equipment like oxygen machine, microscope and vaccine fridge, and charge their phones and computer to communicate with other doctors.
Read this story to understand how electricity can save lives in a remote clinic setting.
IN
Students are selected from remote Karen areas, in partnership with KDHW. Experience shows that students chosen from remote areas are likely to return to work and live in their home areas.
Location: Karen State, Myanmar
YEAR 1
English, basic maths, critical thinking, science, computers, electricity & power course.
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
YEAR 2
English, project management, land surveying & site layout, engine rebuild, construction techniques.
Location: T-RAD Clinic in Ler Doh (Kyaukkyi), Myanmar
YEAR 3
Focus on hands-on work at both EMA clinics.
Location: T-RAD Clinic in Ler Doh (Kyaukkyi) and Rain Tree Clinic in Karen State, Myanmar
OUT IN THE FIELD
The Engineering Technology graduates have to serve a minimum of five years in KDHW remote clinics as engineering technicians.
Location: Karen State, Myanmar
EMA ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
Saw Bwe Nay Htoo graduated in 2017 and now helps manage the construction at the Salay Hospital, a 17-acre campus in Ler Doh (Kyaukkyi), Myanmar. He has a wide variety of tasks including project management, and supervision of local workers in welding, concrete work and roofing.
“It is my pride to be an engineering technician and help my community in different ways, from repairing machines to providing electricity. I see the importance of engineering as I see the needs of my people, from healthcare to construction, the Karen community needs more engineers to empower them.”
EMA ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
Saw Eh Gay graduated in 2017 and has been instrumental in the Rain Tree Clinic campus’s construction and general maintenance, which includes building construction, electrical system and repairing the generators.
“My training has impacted my Karen community quite a lot. I helped build the outpatient and inpatient departments as well as accommodation for students and staff at the Rain Tree Clinic. With my new skills, I installed electricity in the clinic and provided repair and maintenance work including generators, motorcycles, and other machines.”
