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VIDA Medical and Nursing Teams

Healthy Communities

Medical Volunteer

Many people in Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica receive no regular health care. By partnering with communities in need and globally-minded volunteers, we are able to provide basic health care through medical brigades to those who would otherwise not receive any medical attention. We aim to support other international nonprofits in their commitment to the communities they work in as well as provide support to remote and isolated communities. Join us for a hands-on experience of a lifetime as we join hands with communities across Central America.

VIDA offers a Medical and Nursing program for Pre-Medical, Medical, and Nursing students; and all others who are interested in the field of medicine.

VIDA currently offers Medical and Nursing Teams to the following countries:

VIDA provides volunteers with a unique eye-opening, hands-on, and mind- enriching experience in Medicine under the supervision of highly qualified Medical Professionals in the host country.

Nboge indigenous family

All programs include a brief general orientation session that includes cultural, historical, social and political information about the host country as well as a review of program guidelines, staff introductions, review of itinerary, emergency protocols, etc. Participants receive program specific orientation in addition to the brief general orientation.

VIDA offers one full day of orientation/training to prepare volunteers for a truly “hands on” clinical experience.

Medical Orientation/Training

Introduction to Tropical Medicine and Common Diseases

Basic Physical exams, Vital Signs and Social Histories

Review of medical instruments and equipment; proper care and handling of medical equipment

Differences between health care systems of host country and U.S./Canada/Europe.

Importance of Community Education/Public Health

Review of Standard Precaution Practices

Basic Medical Spanish (allows participants more independence)

Review of Field Clinic setup and processes; such as the Intake form.

Pharmacology:

1. Overview of Medications and Prescription procedures
2. Review of Pharmacy setup and procedures

Review of Injection procedures *(Depending on Country)

Field Clinics

Panama clinic

Volunteers will actively participate with an emphasis in a “hands on” experience in the following areas:

Volunteers will conduct patient interviews along with a thorough patient history and patient vital signs. (Via a translator as needed).

Participants will perform basic physical exams and assessments. (May include blood sugar monitoring and urinalysis)

Participants will provide vaccines to children (injected and oral) in coordination with Public Health officials. *Not available in all countries*

Students will assist Public Health officials in providing Pap smears to local women. *Not available in all countries*

Volunteers may assist with pre-natal wellness check ups on expectant mothers.

Students may assist in wound care, dressing changes, etc

Participants will present patient information to Medical staff along with differential diagnosis and proposed treatment plan recommendations.

Hospital room, Changuinola, Panama

Field clinics are designed to be general medicine clinics to support needy communities or remote villages in providing basic health care. There will be no surgeries or specialty procedures performed at the field clinics.

Participants will perform public health screenings and community education discussions to help promote public awareness when appropriate via translators.

Participants will always be supervised by local host county professionals.

Medical clinics usually begin at 8:30 a.m. and end by 6:00 p.m.

General Medicine clinics will have a 1:10 ratio; 1 Doctor to no more than 10 students to maximize student participation and team work.

These clinics may be held independently by VIDA or in coordination with other non-profit organizations or grassroots organizations.

Medical clinics are occasionally held in coordination with VIDA dental groups in needy communities, thus offering more comprehensive services to needy communities.

Elder seeking care at field clinic

Field clinics are like mobile mash units. Every day will be a new setting; such as schools, community centers, single family dwellings, churches, or local health clinics, etc

These settings may have latrines, no running water, and no electricity; there will be exposure to lots of dust and heat.

VIDA Medical staff are highly qualified, bilingual professionals, who are licensed to practice medicine.

A dynamic and highly experienced bilingual Team Leader will guide the group and accompany the group to field clinics, evening outings, and recreation days.

Highly qualified bilingual Assistant Team Leaders and translators will travel with the team and be available as needed.

Citizens of the U.S.A., Canada, and E.U.do not need visas to enter Costa Rica, Nicaragua, or Panama. All other individuals should inquire about needed visas in the nearest consulate of the country they wish experience their VIDA adventure. Please allow 30 to 60 days for this process.

What does the VIDA Medical Service trip include?

The Hippocratic oath Hippocrates, by Rubens

• Safe and reliable transportation throughout the entire adventure (except airfare) (includes airport pick up and drop off)
• All lodging
• Two meals a day (except non – clinic days)
• Pre-adventure coordination, support, and itinerary planning
• Project evaluation and coordination
• 24 hour emergency assistance
• All equipment, materials and supplies for service project (unless otherwise indicated)
• Bilingual Medical Staff (emergency support 24 hours/day)
• Bilingual Team Leader and Team Assistant, and highly qualified translators as needed– 24 hours a day
• Survival Spanish class
• Recreational activities (special requests excluded)
• Tropical Medicine Manual and general orientation guide
• Evening group activities
• Border and Customs fees
• Entrance fees to National parks, museums, etc
• Statement of volunteer service hours or letter of recommendation (case by case basis)
• Post Service Adventure follow-up

Next: Medical/Nursing Team Trip Preparation Guidelines

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