Hope in Hell: Inside the World of Doctors Without Borders

This book centers on countless medical humanitarians working in unsafe occupied countries, all because people (many times a mass majority) who have become victims are in need of grave medical care: Medical care which is not granted to them by their government. The giving of medical care is the intention of these organizations. It all started with a group from France called 'Medecins Sans Frontieres', and branched out to Doctors Without Borders, ect.In so many cases, medical care givers with all types of skills are needed for victim survival--those who have been exposed to and are surviving the aftermath of war and other types of social conflict. Much of the time survivers soon turn into refugees, all living amongst one another, and that is when, what seems like the smallest health problem, quickly explodes into an epidemic of huge proportion for thousands of people.Medical teams do their best to train the people of these communities for aiding with safe and proper medical care. While there, a health clinic is opened to treat all ailments, so any community members who are interested in learning are welcome to watch and learn for the future when they are on their own.In many countries,(at very young ages) soldiers are recruited and become disfuntionally ruthless and barbaric. Their hearts are infultrated with hatred, and their minds are impaired with the local drug and/or alcohol of choice. This is a lethal combination which adds more fuel to the fire in places where the average person's life has already been significantly altered by these dispicable soldiers who are dictated to continue on inflicting inhumane autrocities.Please read the book. It is full of stories of places around the world that are inflicted with pain and the need for human survival. And each area in the world where these true heros go to are quite interesting places. You will find gracious heartfilled stories in all parts of the book as well.I recommend this book highly for 'so many reasons'. And I am certain that I will re-read it one day, especially when I need a piece of humble pie for myself!

I'd been wanting this book for ages because as long as I can remember I've wanted to work for MSF. I really wasn't sure what to expect, and whether I'd still want to work for them once I'd read it! But I am happy to report nothing has changed...if anything, I'm even more driven!In this book, Bortolotti provides insight into the "real" world of MSF and gives potential recruits like me a better understanding of what sort of situations one would be found in, as well as what to expect of life within MSF. It's eye-opening and based in reality, that's for sure. I also knew very little about how MSF began, and the structural organization, which this book provides information on. Bortolotti writes with fictional flare, which makes it more interesting than non-fiction can sometimes be. He appears to really know his stuff, and has gotten down to some of the nitty-gritty that others may choose to ignore; or to describe things that may have been lost in the romanticism associated with MSF's type of work.I still want to work for MSF, and am grateful this book provided me with a better understanding and broader perspective of this amazing organization.

A thoughtful, human, and captivating look inside the world of MSF, through the eyes of veteran MSF field workers themselves. At moments philosophical, heart wrenching, hysterical, or frustrating, the writing of Bortolotti is clear as air, and the book gives an outsider the most authentic portrayal available of the Nobel Peace Prize winning humanitarian medical organization. To understand the mentality and culture inside Médecins Sans Frontières, this book is by far the best available.I am a veteran of Médecins Sans Frontières, and I speak from experience.

I'm a medical student and MSF was one of the reasons that got me into medicine. At first, it all seemed like a great adventure, I would watch videos of missions and think of those people as heroes. And while I still think that they are very brave and I deeply admire them, this book was very enlightening about the people that work for MSF, how their work is done, how MSF came to be, and how hard and challenging it is. It is a very good book.Humanitarian work is a great challenge. If you want to know more about MSF, in a more personal way, I also recommend Six months in Sudan, by James Maskalyk.

good to read about Doctors without Borders' origins and struggles to provide health care in our violent world. Especially good to know more about them in this time when so many struggling refugees are served by these courageous people.

I have always been fascinated by Doctors Without Borders to the point that I am considering applying for a job with them. This book answers all my curiosities: it comprises personal stories as well as a descriptional of the institutional structure. Nor does it shy away from criticism. It will help me to make a more informed choice

This is perhaps the most thorough, yet accessible, look into the work of MSF. I was struck time and time again by these brave and crazy people who pursue this field and the resilience of their patients. The book tells firsthand stories in various regions as well as the history of MSF, a truly comprehensive look. I highly recommend it and anticipate revisiting its pages in the future.

Everyone should read this book, because if you don't know about these issues, than you should. MSF is an inspirational organization dedicating to helping people in need due to war, natural disasters, poverty and other crisis. There are many humanitarian aid organizations, however MSF is a pioneering leader in going where countries won't even send their troops.Dive into the world of MSF, and the ethics, stories, and aid that they deliver. Hope in hell will not disappoint.

This is an excellent book which gives background to the origins of MSF, its philosophy and the motivations of its volunteers. It is honest and does not whitewash the organisation though neither does it unduly criticise. Humanitarianism is growing; this book highlights the relevant ethics and the problems associated. Importantly, it emphasises MSF's 'added value' as an organisation that aims to maintain its neutrality by avoiding government donations unlike other major INGOs.The descriptions and stories of the local and expat staff are vivid and well written. The motivations and inside jokes are interesting as are the differences in approach of MSF in different chapters. The experiences of expat staff are well written, not only when in the field but importantly, how they feel on their return and how they feel about MSF. Particularly real is the chapter about the 'new refrigerator syndrome' which anyone who has worked abroad could identify with.All in all, this is a must read for anyone considering humanitarian work and for anyone who wants to understand it better. Highly recommended.

I am interested in doing some time in my future career with MSF as a Doctor and was recommended this book as 'essential reading'. Well thought out and presented it is a great read but told poignantly so the reader is well aware of how the stories are those of real life occurances.Would recommend to medics and non-medics alike, an excellent publication.

Fantastic read, has really inspired me to keep working towards my dream of working for MSF as a nurse one day

Interesting

With all my heart I support MSF and their work. Truly a bunch of Cool Cats =)