Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use this site?

If you are researching potential volunteer opportunities:

First, specify up to three search parameters (your specialty, practice status and region of interest) from the intersecting circles on the homepage.

Click the yellow shield shaped "Search" button.

You will be brought to a page entitled "Search Results" with all matches (alphabetically by country), summarized in a few sentences.

You can sort through the search results further using the various filters located to the right side of the page. Through these filters, you can look for all matches with a particular organization, or for a specified amount of time, or other parameters.

When you have identified a posting of interest, click on the title of the opportunity.

This will bring you to full description of the volunteer opportunity.

You will find a link to the volunteer agency offering this opportunity, as well as information on their contact person's email and phone number.

To learn more about the country where the opportunity is located, click on the "Tool Kit" that will bring you to a full array of country-specific resources (embassy info, cultural info, etc).

If you have medical equipment, supplies or texts that you are considering for donation, please take a look at the "Resource Center" for Medical Donations. In addition to links to many organizations that accept and distribute such donations, you will find guidelines on donating such materials.

For supplemental information on a variety of topics that relate to surgical volunteerism, please check the various "Resource Centers" which provide up-to-date information on such topics as Charitable Immunity for volunteers in each US state, and information relevant to medical students, residents, military or retired surgeons.

Does Operation Giving Back recommend volunteer opportunities for surgeons?

Operation Giving Back has created the tools found on this Web resource as means of facilitating volunteerism among surgeons. We do not provide recommendations for individuals, nor do we endorse any specific opportunities. Rather, we strive to provide you an accurate sense of the varied opportunities that exist so that you may identify those that best meet your training, beliefs and lifestyle.

Does Operation Giving Back assist surgeons in making arrangements to participate in volunteer activities?

While Operation Giving Back strives to provide all of the resources that a surgeon would need to identify and investigate appropriate volunteer activities, we do not become actively involved in making individual arrangements. Please contact the sponsoring volunteer agency for each opportunity. Oftentimes, these agencies provide tremendous assistance and/or guidance in making such arrangements.

I know of a reputable volunteer agency that would be of interest to surgeons. How can it be added to the database of volunteer opportunities?

Please utilize the feedback form found in the section "Contact Us". Please include your contact information (include a phone number or email) as well as any information that you have for the agency you have in mind. In addition, please indicate whether you have participated as a volunteer with the agency you are recommending.

How does my volunteer agency become included in the database of Operation Giving Back?

To be considered for inclusion in the database for Operation Giving Back, you must be a charitable organization that utilizes surgeons in medical outreach. The mission of your organization can include a wide range of surgical activities such as clinical surgical care, education, training of medical personnel, etc.

If you feel that your organization has appropriate volunteer opportunities for surgeons, please contact the Director of OGB Kathleen Casey, MD, FACS at kcasey@facs.org , 401-841-5351 or 312-485-9534, or Uriah Melchizedek at umelchizedek@facs.org or 312-202-5458.

Thank you for your interest.

Is there a way to evaluate non-profit agencies?

There are a number of resources that exist by which one can evaluate various non-profit agencies. Two organizations that provide independent assessments of non-profits are GuideStar and Charity Navigator .

It also may be helpful to speak with others who have taken part in prior missions with a particular agency.

Some suggested questions to ask a volunteer agency you are considering working with:

- Is there a designated Program Director with expertise on the hospital and region you are considering?
- Do they provide assistance with travel arrangements, visas, permits, etc?
- Can you speak with others who have participated in a mission to this region/hospital in the past?
- Are you required to bring any medical supplies or surgical equipment?
- What sort of follow-up will your patients have after you/your group leaves?
- Can you submit necessary paperwork over the internet?
- If you are retired, be sure to inquire about licensing and liability insurance requirements.
- Is teaching required? If not, is there an opportunity to do so at the host hospital?
- What are the safety provisions in the arranged housing?
- What sort of travel and evacuation insurance does the agency carry?
- Do you need to obtain additional travel/evacuation insurance in addition to what the agency carries?
- What immunizations are required/recommended for the destination?
- Is there an opportunity to travel in the region on your own before or after the medical mission?
- What opportunities are there for family members to accompany you/participate?

How can I change the size of the print on this Web page?

If you are using Internet Explorer as your browser, go to the VIEW tab and scroll down to the TEXT SIZE option. For optimal viewing, we recommend that you select "medium" or larger.

What is my User ID and password for My Giving Back?

For gaining access to the password protected portion of this site, "My Giving Back", your User ID is your email address. You will determine your own password; please note that the password is case sensitive. If you need a reminder, click on the link entitled "forgot your password?" and it will be emailed to you.

I'm having trouble with the menu items disappearing too fast.

If you prefer not to scroll down and click onto menu sub-topics, may we suggest that you click on a main heading. The sub-topics will then appear in static format on the left of your computer screen, allowing you to click directly on them.

Is the information contained in links from the Operation Giving Back Web site guaranteed to be accurate by the American College of Surgeons?

By activating any of the links provided on this site, you will be leaving the American College of Surgeons' Operation Giving Back Web resource. Although the College has provided a link to these sites because we believe they contain information that may be of interest to the surgical community, the College is not responsible for the content or timeliness of these sites. Furthermore, the ACS does not necessarily endorse all statements, opinions or information contained on these sites.

What is the liability of the ACS regarding my participation in a volunteer mission that I learned of at this site?

The American College of Surgeons has provided information about volunteer activities as a part of its charitable and educational mission. Participation in any activities listed on this site is undertaken at your own risk. Operation Giving Back has attempted to provide a wide range of information related to the countries represented on this site to aid you in assessing the medical, political and social climate so that you can be as well informed as possible.
We highly recommend that you use the resources found here as a starting point to find out as much as possible about the organization and the destination under consideration.