Opportunity Details: UrgentGuatemala
Partner for SurgeryDetailed DescriptionOverview
Partner for Surgery is seeking a gynecologist to join a surgical triage team and oversee cervical dysplasia screening in rural Guatemalan communities. Please note: surgical procedures will not be performed on this trip.
What are the dates of the mission?
December 5 - 13, 2009, including travel to and from Guatemala and one cultural day.
What types of patients do you serve?
Our patients live in rural areas, most of them in extreme poverty, on less than $1 a day. Over half suffer from chronic malnutrition. Poor sanitation, lack of electricity and running water, and open cooking fires are typical of their homes and lifestyles. Very large families are common and most births are unattended by medical personnel. In spite of their living conditions, they are proud, dignified, hardworking people.
What is a typical mission like?
We serve four rural communities, evaluate approximately 500 individuals, and identify approximately 200 candidates for general, gynecological and reconstructive surgery. These candidates are scheduled for surgery within 1 to 3 months, with one of our collaborating surgical teams. We also screen approximately 400 women for pre-cancer cervical lesions and treat low grade cervical dysplasia with cryotherapy. An additional day is devoted to cultural activities and we provide a broad spectrum from which to choose.
What is my role?
You will evaluate women to determine their eligibility for surgery. You will also oversee screening for pre-cancer cervical lesions using the VIA method (visual inspection with acetic acid) and treat mild to moderate cases of dysplasia with cryotherapy. Familiarity with these methods is a requirement for participation. As part of the screening program, you will oversee the activities of nurses from the Guatemalan Ministry of Health who are being trained in VIA/Cryo under the auspices of PfS.
How large is a team?
A team consists of 2 to 4 medical professionals, each with a different specialty. They are accompanied and assisted by PfS staff and non-medical support volunteers and translators.
PfS does not recruit teams to perform surgeries and we cannot reply to inquiries about how to join a surgical team. However, if you would like to organize and lead a surgical team, including the procurement and shipping of all necessary supplies, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you. More details can be found here.
Please visit www.partnerforsurgery.org. To view our 7 minute video, click on Videos, then General Information Video. Location of Volunteer Opportunity:Contact Information:Agency Profile: Partner for SurgeryAgency Mission: Our mission is to provide access to surgical care for the most impoverished rural Guatemalans.
Travel Assistance: Our Guatemalan affiliate arranges all logistics within Guatemala, including transportation, lodging, meals, procurement of local supplies, and ensuring that the clinic is prepared to receive the surgical team. Website: www.partnerforsurgery.org Opportunity open to:Actively Practicing Surgeons, Retirees, Family
Active Practicing SurgeonsVolunteers must provide a copy of their current medical license, board certification and medical school diploma, and complete a team application. OB/GYN volunteers must provide proof of familiarity with the VIA/Cryo method of screening and treating cervical dysplasia.
All volunteers must pay a participation fee, complete a volunteer application, sign a waiver of liability, purchase international medical and evacuation insurance, and bring medical supplies. Volunteers must be in good physical health, as the days are often long and demanding, travel is rugged, and accommodations are basic. Flexibility, team spirit and sense of humor are also important qualities. RetireesVolunteers must provide a copy of their current medical license, board certification and medical school diploma, and complete a team application. OB/GYN volunteers must provide proof of familiarity with the VIA/Cryo method of screening and treating cervical dysplasia.
All volunteers must pay a participation fee, complete a volunteer application, sign a waiver of liability, purchase international medical and evacuation insurance, and bring medical supplies. Volunteers must be in good physical health, as the days are often long and demanding, travel is rugged, and accommodations are basic. Flexibility, team spirit and sense of humor are also important qualities. Family MembersDue to space limitations in the PfS van, our teams are small. Priority is given to medical volunteers, PfS staff, translators and mission sponsors. If there is space available, your spouse is welcome to join us. S/he is also required to pay $1000 to help defray medical mission expenses.
DeadlineOctober 31, 2009
Religious RequirementsPfS has no religious affiliation.
Other InformationSpanish language skill is a plus, but it is not a requirement to become a volunteer. Both Spanish and Mayan translators will be assigned to you.
We ask our volunteers to make their own travel arrangements to Guatemala and to pay $1000 to help defray in-country medical mission expenses. In order to begin making arrangements for your mission we would like to receive your payment at least 3 months prior to the start of the trip. This contribution covers rural radio programs about the mission, diagnostic testing, and all in-country logistics and support for medical mission participants.
PfS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with no religious affiliation. We suggest you contact your income tax adviser about possible tax credit for your participation and donations. Related trip reports search. |
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