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Students in the medical outreach program

International Medical Outreach

The Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine invites you to join us in providing life-changing medical care to underserved communities around the world. Our international outreach programs offer a unique opportunity to:

  • Deliver essential health care services to those in need
  • Experience diverse cultures and expand global perspectives
  • Gain valuable clinical skills in challenging settings
  • Establish long-term partnerships with local communities, fostering sustainable change

Join us on a Life-Changing Journey

Embark on a one or two-week medical outreach trip and make a lasting impact on the lives of others. We provide medical assistance in areas with limited health care access and collaborate with local clinics to strengthen health care infrastructure.

Volunteer Opportunities for All

We welcome volunteer physicians, nurses, medical students, and other health care professionals, as well as individuals with non-medical expertise. Students from diverse disciplines are also encouraged to participate, as each outreach trip allows. 

Upcoming Trips

Outreach Program Leader: Dr. Paula Anderson

DATES & DESTINATION: June 2024, exact dates TBC – Runaway Bay & St. Mary, Jamaica

ESTIMATED COST: Approx: $1800 (+/- $300) Cost includes flight, hotel, ground transportation and ~70% of meals. Price is subject to change since flight arrangements have not been finalized. It is recommended that participants bring along $150-$200 to cover miscellaneous costs.

Applications will open in April , 2024, with deposits due shortly thereafter with a completed application.

The Jamaica Medical outreach is in its 22nd year of service to St. Mary, a rural area in Jamaica. The team typically consists of health professionals and students from various disciplines including medicine, dental, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other healthcare providers. Our primary goal is to provide much needed healthcare to underserved communities.

The Jamaica medical outreach trip grants participants an opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team, providing free essential medical services to those areas in critical need of quality medical and dental care, while providing health education, and various other health related services. It is a great way for health professional students to work collaboratively, enhance their skills, conduct research, and provide community service.

*SPACES ARE LIMITED!!
Proof of Complete COVID-19 Vaccination is required by the host.

For additional information or to answer questions please contact: Evelyn Martinez at em1036@nova.edu or at (844) 871-5296.

Dates: June 29 – July 7, 2024

Destination: Iquitos, Peruvian Amazonia

Lead Doctor: Daniel Olsen, DO

Estimated Cost: $2,400.00 (+/- 300.00) Includes airfare, in-country transportation, lodging, domestic airport transfers, and meals. Prices are subject to change.

Applications Due: TBD by April, 2024; applications not open at this time

Payment: Deposit/Final amounts and due dates TBD. Payment instructions will be sent after the application review is completed. Group package cost is non-refundable. There will be no refunds after the airfare is ticketed. NO EXCEPTIONS.

The Peru Medical Outreach is geared towards the healthcare needs of the underserved citizens of several indigenous villages located in the Loreto Region of the Amazonian Peru. Students, faculty, physicians, staff, and volunteers from the community give their time and talent to provide health care services free of cost. These services aid to promote the well-being and improve the quality of life of the people.

Our goal is to provide quality care and build sustainable relationships with community residents. Participants will have the opportunity to practice, teach, perform research, and treat an extremely wide variety of diseases.

For additional information please contact: Evelyn Martinez at (954) 300-7317 or email: em1036@nova.edu

Dates: July 13-21, 2024

Destination: San Cristobal, Galapagos, Ecuador

Outreach Program Leader: Jill Wallace-Ross, DO, MS

Estimated Cost: $1,900.00 (+/- 300.00) Includes airfare, in-country transportation, lodging, transportation to/from airport, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Price is subject to change.

New Applications due: TBD by 5/2024, applications are not open at this time

Payment: Deposit/Final amounts and dates TBD. Payment instructions will be sent after the online application is submitted. No refund after airfare is ticketed.

The Galapagos Medical Outreach is geared towards the healthcare needs of thousands of underserved islanders. Students, faculty, physicians, staff, and volunteers from the community give their time and talent to provide health care services free of cost. These services aid in promoting the well-being and improving the quality of life of the citizens of San Cristobal Island, Galapagos.

Our goal is to provide quality care and build sustainable relationships with community residents. Participants will have the opportunity to practice, teach, perform research, and treat an extremely wide variety of diseases.

Please Note: Payment is non-refundable once Airfare is ticketed.

For additional information please contact: Evelyn Martinez at (954) 300-7317 or email: em1036@nova.edu.

Outreach Program Leader: TBD

Dates: TBD – 2nd or 3rd Week of December, 2024

Estimated Cost: $2,900 – (+/- 300.00) includes airfare, lodging, ground transportation, all meals, and cultural activities. Price is subject to change since flight arrangements have not been finalized.

Applications Deadline: TBD by September 2024. Applications are not open at this time.

Deposit: Payments dates and amounts TBD. Payment instructions will be sent once the application is submitted. No Refunds after airfare is ticketed.

The India Medical Outreach Program is geared towards the healthcare needs of thousands of underserved tribal groups of the Dang District and surrounding area, including about 50,000 school children. The hospital site is in the Dang District of Gujarat, India.

Students, faculty, staff, physicians, dentists, and volunteers from the community all give of their time and talent to provide medical care that would otherwise not be available because of the significant shortage of healthcare professionals available. The goal is to provide quality care and build sustainable relationships with the opportunity to practice, teach and perform research.

The India Medical Outreach Trip allows all participants to develop relationships with community residents, compile their medical history, and treat an extremely wide variety of diseases.

For additional information please contact: Evelyn Martinez at em1036@nova.edu or by phone (954)262-1897 or (954) 300-7317.

DATES & DESTINATION: TBD, Approx 2nd or 3rd week of December, 2024 – St. Mary, Jamaica

ESTIMATED COST: 1,830 (+/- $300). Cost includes flight, hotel, ground transportation and ~ 75% of meals.  Price is subject to change since flight arrangements have not been finalized.  It is recommended that participants bring along $150-$200 to cover miscellaneous costs.

Applications Deadline: TBD by September 2024. Applications are not open at this time.

 

Please Note: Airline Tickets are non-refundable once they are purchased regardless of the full refund deadline. 

 

PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL TO JAMAICA!!

If you do not have a passport, please make sure you go to the nearest passport agency and complete the application in a timely manner. Passport expiration dates must be at least six months after arrival in the country.   IT WILL TAKE 6-8 WEEKS (sometimes longer) to receive a new passport.  If you do not have a passport by the travel time allotted, you will not be able to participate in the medical mission.

New Jamaica Mandatory Entry Rule For Travelers: Starting September 1, 2023 – all passenger to Jamaica must complete an immigration form online in advance - https://enterjamaica.com/ 

 

Proof of Complete COVID-19 Vaccination is required.

 

TRAVEL INSURANCE: All participants must submit proof of Travel Insurance with their applicable.

Proof of travel insurance is mandatory in order for you to participate in the mission.  At least $2,000,000 medical benefits are recommended for NSU faculty and staff. Please note emergency evacuation and reparation must be included. Non-NSU faculty must have at least $1,000,000 travel insurance coverage.

If you do not have travel insurance, you can obtain travel coverage from any travel insurance company you choose. You can use the insurance link listed below as an option.

NSU recommends for Students and Faculty:  Health Travel insurance (link is provided)

https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/schools/nova-southeastern-university.php

GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ms. Evelyn Martinez
NSU/COM Medical Outreach Program Coordinator
Phone: (954) 262-1897
Email: em1036@nova.edu

Jamaica Mission Trip Coordinators:

Dr. Paula Anderson - email paulal@nsu.nova.edu or office phone 954-262-1463

Dr. Luzan Phillpotts - email luzan@nova.edu or office phone 954-262-2140



Frequently Asked Questions

The NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine provides all arrangements for its medical volunteers, including transportation, food, government permits, and in-country housing. Activities include pre-trip team member meetings including introductions to the community leaders and members, with medical care being provided at community hospitals, clinics, and health posts. At these locations, team members provide a wide range of medical care to meet local needs. Clinic days are long and demanding, but immeasurably productive and rewarding, with numerous patients treated each day.

All known upcoming trips are advertised on this website, including approximate dates and costs. Applications for the individual trips are opened about 3 months in advance of the expected departure, with final participants selected and ticketed about 2 months before departure. Submission of an application is not a guarantee of travel, and all accepted participants will receive individual notifications.

There is great interest in our international outreach programs, but we do have a limit on how many participants can go on each trip. We will try our best to take as many as we can, but we recommend you submit your application and deposit as soon as possible, as most trips will be first come, first served.

Yes, Continuing Education credits are available for most healthcare providers.

Once your application has been approved, you will be given a comprehensive briefing packet that contains a packing list specific to the location you will be visiting as well as information regarding lodging, clinic sites, local climate, etc.

The NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine provides the supplies for clinical care. Additionally, we do accept donations of over-the-counter medications and personal use items to be given to patients, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, female hygiene products and reading glasses.

Medical volunteers are asked to bring their own diagnostic kits for use in the clinic (including otoscope including specula, ophthalmoscope, stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, reflex hammer, tuning forks, etc.).

IAs a member of our medical outreach team, we value the time you have already taken to participate in this opportunity. International medical outreach trips are typically all inclusive. We take care of all the logistics for your trip as well as the organization of the clinics in each area. Your donation for participation covers international transportation typically from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, ground transportation, lodging, meals, and permit requirements. One some trips, some meals are not included, and this will be noted within the individual trip information pages. The fees vary between approximately $1000 - $3,500 depending on the location and time of year of travel.
A deposit of approximately 1/3 to 1/2 the trip cost is due approximately three months prior to the trip. Full payment will be due approximately 1-2 months prior to the trip. Please note all fees are approximate and subject to change according to fluctuations in airfare, etc.

Not included in the registration for these trips are:

  • fees for obtaining your passport and/or visa if necessary
  • vaccinations necessary for international travel
  • international health insurance
  • telephone calling cards/SIM cards
  • social activities and tips
  • souvenirs

A passport is required for travel to all countries we visit. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you enter the host country. If you do not have a passport, please make sure you go to the nearest passport agency and complete the application in a timely manner. It may take six to eight weeks (sometimes longer) to receive a new passport. If you do not have a passport by the travel time allotted, you will not be able to participate in the medical outreach trip.

Health Care Professionals and Students

We encourage qualified health care professionals to apply to join one of our trips. For each trip, clinic days are designed and patients selected based in part on the specialties of team members. We provide all arrangements for our overseas medical volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, and other health care workers. If you do not have a current license, you can apply as a non-licensed professional.

NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine students are given priority assignment. We take several students per health care provider. If you are a student from another program or school, your likelihood of acceptance is greatly enhanced by recruiting a physician to accompany you. Students will need to meet minimum academic and professionalism standards to participate in international medical outreach opportunities.

Non-Medical Volunteers

We also encourage volunteers other than health care professionals to join our trips to assist our overseas medical clinic teams and to support a variety of trip-related activities. Non-medical volunteers contribute by helping with the community and the existing medical staff. As always, if you speak the native language of the host country, your skills are at a premium and you will be asked to also serve as a translator. We will do our best to match your job with your skills, so please be specific on your application.

Family Members

A number of activities are typically planned for family members who choose to go on the trip. Please note again, all who travel with us are expected to serve. The ability to include family members will vary from trip to trip, based on overall group size and skills needed.

During the trips we do typically take time to engage in social activities, such as sightseeing, visiting local markets, cultural events, and nature activities. Each outreach country offers different places of interest and types of recreation. Although the social activities to visit areas of the outreach country are arranged by the outreach team, participation is voluntary and not usually covered in the cost of the trip. Tips are encouraged on sightseeing activities.

All individuals traveling for international medical outreach must have emergency medical insurance including extraction. In the event of an emergency, you will have the option to be evacuated out of country and back to the United States to receive your care. Travel health insurance, including insurance for emergency evacuation, is available through many commercial agencies, travel services, and credit card companies. Elements of care for which travelers might want to purchase insurance include emergency care, transportation for care within foreign countries, transportation back to the United States for care, medical equipment and personnel during transport, dental care, prenatal or postnatal care, lost or stolen prescription drugs, and medical translators. A link will be provided during the application process to purchase this insurance.

For travel recommendations, safety tips, immunizations and vaccines please visit the CDC Web site at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

Additional Questions?

Please contact Evelyn Martinez, Medical Outreach Program Coordinator, at em1036@nova.edu or (954) 262-1897.

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