medical mission trip meaning

WHAT IS A MEDICAL MISSION TRIP?

What is a Medical Mission Trip?

Medical mission trips are a great way for medical professionals to use their skills and knowledge to help those in need. They are organized trips to areas of the world where medical care is limited or nonexistent. Medical mission trips are often organized by non-profit organizations, churches, or other groups, and are usually staffed by volunteers.

Mission Discovery medical mission trips provide opportunities for medical professionals to travel to impoverished countries and use their skills to provide healthcare services in resource-limited settings. Medical mission trips typically involve a variety of activities, such as providing basic medical care, conducting health screenings, distributing medications, leading educational programs on health topics, and providing preventive healthcare education.

Along with medical professionals, those who are not professionals are also needed for medical mission trips. These volunteers provide essential services such as providing emotional and spiritual support to the people they are helping, serving meals to those in need, and doing administrative work. Medical mission trips can be both physically and emotionally challenging but also incredibly rewarding experiences.

Medical mission trips often have a lasting impact on the communities they serve and the volunteers themselves. Medical mission trips provide much-needed medical care to those in need while also creating lasting memories and experiences for all involved. Ultimately, medical mission trips are a great way to help people in other parts of the world who don’t have access to healthcare and make meaningful connections with people from different cultures.

The Benefits of Medical Mission Trips

Medical mission trips provide a unique opportunity for medical professionals to use their skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of those in need. By providing medical care to those who may not otherwise have access to it, medical mission trips can have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of those in the communities they serve.

In addition to providing medical care, medical mission trips can also provide an opportunity for medical professionals to learn more about different cultures and better understand global health issues. By working with local healthcare providers and community members, medical professionals can better understand the challenges faced by those in need and how best to address them.

The Challenges of Medical Mission Trips

Medical mission trips can be challenging for medical professionals. Working in a new environment with limited resources can be difficult, and medical professionals may find themselves facing language barriers and cultural differences. Additionally, medical mission trips can be physically and emotionally demanding, and medical professionals may find themselves dealing with difficult situations and difficult patients.

It is important for medical professionals to be aware of the potential challenges of medical mission trips before they embark on one. It is also important to be aware of the resources available to help medical professionals prepare for and deal with any challenges they may face.

How to Get Involved in Medical Mission Trips

Medical mission trips are a great way for medical professionals to use their skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of those in need. If you are interested in getting involved in a medical mission trip, contact Mission Discovery. Our experienced mission coordinators will work with you to help you find the perfect medical mission trip for you and connect you with the resources necessary to prepare for and participate in your mission trip.

We hope this short overview of medical mission trips has helped inform your decision on whether or not a medical mission trip is right for you. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help! Contact us today and let us show you how medical mission trips can be life-changing experiences!

Medical mission trips are a great way for medical professionals to use their skills and knowledge to help those in need. They provide an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of people in resource-limited settings, while also providing a unique learning experience. Despite the challenges that medical mission trips can present, they are ultimately rewarding experiences that provide an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

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by Andi Sciacca - Last updated on February 17, 2022

• Before You Go

If you’ve been looking for meaningful travel opportunities that will help you expand your healthcare skill set while working abroad, you might have uncovered some useful information about medical mission trips. But, what is a medical mission trip? And more importantly, is it right for you?

Taking a medical mission trip is a huge decision! (Photo by IMA)

As with most volunteer abroad opportunities , you will make the best decision when you do the necessary research, consider your options carefully, and plan ahead.

When it comes to these specialized medical volunteer trips , you’ll also want to define the various types of medical mission trips that are available. And as important as it is to understand some of the real benefits of medical mission trips, it’s just as crucial to look at some common problems.

Once you explore the ethics of medical volunteerism, you can consider your options carefully before you decide if medical mission trips are worth it. Then you’ll be ready to apply to a program in a location you’d like to live, work, and explore!

What is a medical mission trip?

Whether you’re looking to serve as a doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant , dentist, or counselor, a well-respected medical mission trip can have a strong impact on your preparedness for future study or work.

It’s also important to make sure you select a program that is right for you and respected in the medical field of your choice. But even before you get that far, it’s important to define what a medical mission trip in your field actually entails.

On the most basic level, a medical mission trip is focused on connecting health care workers and trained medical professionals with people in need for a specific project or period of time.

Your medical prowess can go far in underserved communities around the world.

Many of the early medical mission organizations were based on religious principles and often included some form of evangelizing on behalf of the group conducting the mission—but that has changed over time and secular groups are often leading the way.

Most mission trips (including those that are still run by religious organizations) will permit anyone with qualified medical experience to serve, regardless of their personal faith or beliefs.

However, some medical mission trips have gained unwanted attention for unethical practices or for approaching their fundraising efforts in negative ways, so it’s important to make sure the organization you’re considering understands the importance of compliance with the accepted ethics of medical volunteerism.

So what else should you consider as you conduct your search?

5 problems with medical missions

There can be concerns with any kind of volunteer abroad placement you might consider, but medical mission trips have some specific red flags you should watch for. These issues range from the attitude of the providers to where they source program fees and funding.

Five of the most glaring examples are listed below. It’s good to familiarize yourself with this list, especially when you consider that any medical mission opportunity should be connected to serving those in need.

1. Medical arrogance from the visiting professionals and care-givers

The idea of qualified medical professionals going to places in need of aid seems like a positive solution. So, one of the major complaints about the problems with medical missions might come as a surprise, which is arrogance from the hosted organization—or even a stated assumption that Western medicine is always the superior choice. That’s definitely not the right way to help.

2. Insensitivity to local practices and cultural norms

A great medical mission trip will help you immerse and learn from the local culture. (Photo by IMA)

Just like arrogance is a big red flag on the list of problems with medical missions, so is any form of insensitivity to local practices and cultural norms demonstrated by a volunteer organization. So, if you’re interested in going to Cambodia for a medical program abroad , you definitely want to make sure that the organization providing aid demonstrates respect to local people and customs.

3. The organization offers “band-aid” solutions and not meaningful impact

In order for there to be evidence of the positive impact of medical mission trips, the organization needs to do much more than provide temporary solutions to systemic problems. As a potential volunteer, this should be something you can clearly see as you look at the program’s support structures, commitment to the community, and strategic plan. If you’re unable to identify how they’re affecting lasting change (or if they dodge your questions about this), that’s a big red flag.

4. Some missions have a predatory for-profit model that exploits its volunteers

Many missions are sponsored by churches, nonprofits, and universities—but there are some organizations that practice in ways that violate the accepted ethics of medical volunteerism. Many of them demand that volunteers secure big donations, and most tend to charge high fees for placement and offer very little in return. Simply put, if this is what you’re seeing, stay away.

5. Dangerous conditions for the community—or the volunteers

When you consider the impact of medical mission trips, the benefits should outweigh the risks. Some organizations fail to protect the safety of their workers, while others might demand volunteers do work outside their area of expertise. Whether the damage is to the patient, the community, or the volunteer, if you see any signs of danger, cross that organization off your list!

5 benefits of medical mission trips

So, are medical mission trips worth it? Well, now that you’ve learned how to weed out some of the problems in medical mission trips, it’s time to explore the possible benefits.

Once you identify the right placement in the field and location of your choice, it can be a real game-changer for you and for the community you will be able to serve.

If you want your medical mission to be worth it, go where you’re needed most.

1. You get to work in your field while you travel and see the world

One of the most obvious benefits of a medical mission trip is the opportunity to practice your craft and learn from experts, all while you see the world. For example, if you work with an organization like International Medical Aid , you’ll be able to work with dedicated mentors as you safely practice medicine in places like East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.

2. You will gain valuable cultural experiences that will enhance your practice

Any opportunity to study or volunteer abroad will help you become a better practitioner and more empathetic member of your community. However, working with patients at their most vulnerable and learning how to engage people from other locations and cultures will surely help you develop a more thoughtful and informed bedside manner—no matter what field you practice.

3. Medical mission trips can give you a competitive edge

Your own personal mission might be to help others wherever your skills are most needed, but one of the most powerful benefits of medical mission trips would be the advantage your experience can give you in the next phase of your career. Even if your goal is to remain in mission work, each experience you undertake can offer a real competitive edge.

4. You can build a network of other professionals (and friends!)

When you choose the kind of work that a medical mission trip entails, you will be joined by other like-minded professionals who share your passion for medicine, your compassion for others, your awareness of the global community, and even your sense of adventure. Your fellow volunteers will uplift you, challenge you, and quite likely become people you know for life.

5. You can use your talents to alleviate human suffering and respond to urgent needs

With all of these considerations, perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of your medical mission trip is the opportunity to put your talents to use where they are most urgently required. You’ll make an impact on the lives of those who desperately need the help and support of others. And as much as that’s an opportunity, it’s an honor, as well.

How to judge the ethics of medical volunteerism

It’s vital to know your chosen program has the highest medical ethics in mind. (Photo by IMA)

One of the best ways to judge the ethics of the medical mission organizations on your list is to obtain answers to the following list of questions. But remember, these should serve as initial prompts; you should absolutely add your own questions and concerns to this list.

And, as you ask for additional details, make sure to weigh the answers thoughtfully and explore your options before you sign up or accept any kind of offer.

1. How is the organization structured?

Does the organization follow a non-profit or a for-profit model? Is it structured like a social enterprise? Is it funded by a university, a medical college, or a charitable program? These questions will be important to you as you consider the ethics of medical volunteerism with any particular group. In general, for-profit models should likely be avoided. Better options exist.

2. How are placements handled?

One of the concerns reviewed in studies about the value of medical mission trips is the way in which placements are made. Your program should have a dedicated mentor to help you assess things like program options, specializations, certifications, timeline, and location. Be very wary of places that use vague language or try to sell you on working outside of your profession.

3. Does the organization follow the ethical guidelines for its programs?

There are standards for medical mission trips, including standards for shadowing other medical professionals. Be sure to ask your program contacts what kinds of standards they follow and don’t be afraid to ask for a copy. The best US programs will reference the Association of American Medical Colleges guidelines . Compare yours carefully and ask for clarity if needed.

4. What kind of mentoring exists for volunteers abroad?

Many programs will provide you with a point of contact or mentor as you’re preparing for your medical mission trip, but the mentoring needs to continue in the field. You should have a clear sense of what your on-site supervisor will be able to provide you, and what they will expect of you when you’re working with them. Testimonials on the experience will always be a plus.

5. How does the organization prepare volunteers for future work or study in their field?

Ideally, you’ll take a lot of new knowledge away from your medical mission trip.

This should be one of the most obvious benefits of medical mission trips for participants. The mission trip is part of the overall volunteer and study abroad experience, but your long-term work and future study is where the greatest impact of a medical mission trip should be felt. The support plan should be obvious, and if it’s not, that says a lot about the program’s intent.

6. What about things like safety, security, and insurance?

When you think about the ethics of medical volunteerism, you should also consider how the program upholds their commitment to you. Your safety, security, and wellbeing are critical to the overall experience. Make sure you look at the benefits offered by the program you’re interested in; if they aren’t thorough or transparent, ask why.

7. What are the fees?

Some programs offer stipends to volunteers, while others require payments be made to the program coordinators. Other programs might ask for donations to be made to the local clinics or ask that part of the mission involves raising funds within your community before you travel to your location. Whatever the case, you should always get a clear and specific list of all fees.

8. What’s included and are there any perks?

Some programs offer the bare minimum to program participants, while others offer things like guided safari adventures, cultural awareness classes, secure housing, insurance, and chef-prepared meals. Make sure that the program you select has the kind of resources and extras that meet your needs. If you’re unhappy or lacking support, you won’t do your best.

9. What are the areas served?

Is this medical mission trip in a part of the world where you want to live for an extended period of time? Is the area of study aligned with your long-term plans? Do you want to spend six months in the heat? Are you willing to work in a dental clinic if your passion is trauma care? Make sure you cover the areas (geographic and practical) that are right for your long-term goals.

10. Is there anything about this organization that makes it a really good fit for you?

A program that feels like the perfect fit means even more impact for you and the local community! (Photo by IMA)

When you consider all of the options you have for medical mission trips and medicine programs abroad , you can see there are many models, programs, and locations to choose from. If you review the problems with medical mission trips, explore the benefits, ask the right questions, and find a good fit, the most important factor will always be what feels best for you. Go with that.

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Make the impact of your medical mission trip a positive one.

If you’re interested in helping others while providing medical care to those in greatest need, a medical mission might be a good fit. But before you sign up, it’s important to do the necessary research, ask the right questions, and consider all of the options before you commit.

After all, while there are many potential benefits of medical mission trips, they aren’t for everyone—and you will want to make sure you are finding the right fit while you seek to do the greatest good.

Explore ALL Medical Volunteer Opportunities on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from International Medical Aid . IMA is a not-for-profit organization that offers medical programs for students in places like East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean through an ethics-based approach to care. They offer summer, fall, and winter programs.

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Trusted Health Blog

Trusted Guide to Medical Missions

Are You Considering Going on a Medical Mission Trip?

We know that since there are so many questions and seemingly so many varying resources it can be difficult to know where to start! So we teamed up with Trusted Nurse Ashley Elsbernd to learn more about her own experience in order to create this Trusted Guide to Medical Missions. We'll let Ashley take it away from here! ‍

Medical missions are formed with the goal of providing medical care to underserved areas in developing countries. Going on a medical mission trip was something I had thought about for a long time. I knew friends who had ben involved in service trips and volunteer programs as early as high school, but it wasn’t until I was licensed as a nurse and part of a medical team that I really felt like I could make an impact (which is totally not true, just for the record!). 

A close friend of mine had been on a handful of medical mission trips with various organizations, and she was definitely the catalyst of finally making one happen for me. She sent me a text last fall saying, “Hey, want to go to Africa in March?” and that was all it took to get the ball rolling! ‍

Research Options and Types of Medical Missions

If you Google “medical mission trips,” you will get an insane number of options. I think this is why you talk to so many people who want to go but haven't; figuring out where to start is overwhelming! That being said, there are options for everyone, even non-medical personnel. The trip I went on focused on primary care through outreach clinics in rural areas, but I’ve heard of many different groups who provide a very specific type of health care such as cleft lip/palate repairs, cataract surgeries, pediatric cardiac procedures, dental care… you name it, there’s probably a trip for that!

Finding the right trip is a definite must. While I don’t think you’ll ever walk away from a medical mission feeling like you shouldn’t have gone, having the right fit will make it that much better. Things to consider:

• Is there a specific country you’d like to visit?
• Do you want to use your specific skill set, or are you open to getting outside your comfort zone with patient care?  
• Do you want to go with non-medical friends/family?
• Are you looking to do short-term or long-term mission work?
• Do you want the trip to be strictly a medical volunteer trip, or do you want other volunteer opportunities?  
• Are you ok with an organization that has ties to a church?

These are all questions that can help you narrow down the list of trips you're considering. A great place to start is simply by talking to people. You’d be surprised by how many friends or coworkers have been on a trip. Ask questions about what they did, what they liked and didn’t like, and which organization they went with.

Luckily, having a friend recommend me to my initial trip took all the front-end research off the table for me. That being said, my experience in Uganda (my first trip) definitely set the standard for what I want out of future trips. We traveled with One World Health , an organization that serves in Uganda and in Nicaragua. What I loved about One World Health is that they only send teams quarterly, but they have established medical centers in each country that are open to treat patients 24/7/365.

You tend to wonder where people turn for healthcare needs when the outreach teams aren’t in the country, but with this model, you know that the patient has access to medical attention after you leave. Their vision is largely focused on empowering people to take control of their health in the long-term sense, and it’s been a successful venture – their medical centers are designed to be 100% self-sustained in 18 months or less, meaning patients have consistent access to quality healthcare and locals have new job opportunities. 

The doors to the first clinic opened in 2011, so One World Health has been around long enough to know how to run their outreach trips in order to give volunteers a great and safe experience. ‍

Applications

The word "application" may come across as intimidating, but it’s mainly just a way to stay organized and to make sure you have the appropriate credentials to go along!  Some organizations have you apply for specific trips, while others will file your application and contact you as volunteer needs arise. Typically, the applications feel like a job application – you will likely need to submit proof of credentials, level of experience, and answer a few questions about why you’d like to join them.

Most medical mission websites also have great FAQ pages to check out before you apply, and I’ve found that they’re very responsive when you contact them with questions. ‍

Preparation and Planning for Medical Mission Trips

Preparing for Uganda was laid out nicely for us. One World Health had online orientation modules that gave us an idea of what to expect on clinic days, an overview of each role, a brief cultural overview, and their expectations of volunteers. Once we got to Uganda, we were joined by a Peace Corps volunteer who talked about more specific cultural considerations, which was hugely helpful! We were also provided with a country-specific packing list, which took a lot of the stress out of that part of the trip.

As with most things, the financial aspect of a mission trip varies with each organization. In some cases, the volunteers’ trips are covered by the organization, and in others, fundraising is expected. One World Health falls into the latter category, and I know many people shy away from that, but I found fundraising to be much easier than I expected. Sharing about your upcoming experience on social media is a great way to let family and friends know about it and stir up some support.

Some people covered their own expenses, some received grants from work, and some got creative (one girl sold t-shirts, and a couple who owns a pizza joint had a beer and football night to raise money)!

There were two fundraising deadlines – half of the amount was due a little over two months from our departure date in order to book flights. One World Health took care of that for us, and as a result, most of the team was able to meet up in the Atlanta airport and travel the rest of the way together. The full amount was due a few weeks before departure. Our only financial responsibility while in the country was for any souvenirs we wanted to take home.

Planning in advance definitely makes the fundraising aspect of a trip easier.

Most organizations have a list on their websites of trip dates and destinations as well as deadlines to apply. My deadline was December 1st for a March trip, and I felt like that was an adequate amount of time to fundraise and prepare myself. Since I’m working in the world of travel nursing, the time off was easy to accommodate (and lucky for me, the trip fell in between contracts), but advance notice obviously makes rearranging work and life schedules much easier. ‍

Role and Responsibilities During a Medical Mission

Medical mission trips tend to have fairly specific roles for their volunteers depending on their credentials. That being said, some may allow for flexibility. For example, in Uganda the nurses ran the triage area – we were the first point of medical contact for our patients. However, I spent every afternoon working in the pharmacy area to help fill prescriptions. Other nurses helped to distribute meds and do some patient teaching, and some helped our physical therapist demonstrate exercises.  

On other trips, people have been able to spend a day just interacting with people outside of a clinic role as well. It’s all dependent on the goal of the trip and the members of the team. One World Health has a team director and a medical director on each trip, and they work together to determine the logistics: how many patients can be seen depending on patient flow, which areas may need help at various times of the day, etc. They are also a resource for the team members as questions arise.

When we arrived in Uganda, one of our first tasks was to take inventory on supplies, including medical equipment, office supplies, and medications. Basic medical equipment was available to us (first aid-type supplies, blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, thermometers), but some people brought other supplies along with them. This particular trip had a strong dermatology team, so two providers brought along a suitcase full of supplies for procedures. We also had several radiologists and had the luxury of a portable ultrasound.

Some people also brought their own basic medical equipment such as stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs. We were fortunate to not have to improvise too much, and if the patient needed further follow-up, they were referred to One World Health’s medical center. Our team worked within our US scopes of practice, and I imagine other organizations operate in a similar fashion. As medical professionals we tend to hold ourselves to the same standard regardless of where we’re practicing. If I wasn’t comfortable performing a task or procedure with all of the resources and oversight I have in the US, I wouldn’t do so in another country either. A patient is still a patient. ‍ ‍

Being open to the different cultural norms is the best way to prepare for the culture shock. That said, there will inevitably be some culture shock. We are so incredibly fortunate simply by living in the US, and it’s incredibly eye-opening to see how people live in other countries with varying resources. Knowing that it will be different is good, but try not to have specific expectations.

While we were in Uganda, we stayed at a hotel. It wasn't the Ritz, but we had running water, real toilets, and showers, so I was in absolutely no position to complain! We shared rooms with other team members, which was a great way to get to know other people on the trip that you may not have gotten to know otherwise.  

Leisure time is dependent on how clinic days go, but there is always a little bit of downtime in the evening. Some days we got back with just enough time to wash our heads and head to dinner, but the dinner table provided great opportunities to make connections with the rest of the team. One World Health has also developed a pretty neat habit to foster this. After people are done eating but before leaving the dinner table, you’re given an opportunity to share your life story.

This could be as simple as where you were born, where you went to school, and your professional experience; but, for most of our team, things got pretty deep. I heard intimate stories from many people that started with, “I can’t believe I’m even telling you this,” that sometimes ended in tears. Opening up and being vulnerable, especially with a group of strangers, really put our hearts in a place to be open and shaped by the experiences of the week.

We also had some time after dinner to play games or to just hang out with each other before bed. And, of course, I have to talk about the safari! As a way to relax after a week of hard work, One World Health took us “glamping” and then on a sunrise safari.

Safety of the team is a top priority for One World Health, and in my opinion should be a top priority when you’re looking to join a team. The hotel we stayed at was gated, and we were escorted by security guards whenever we were off hotel premises. Our drivers are locals with great reputations who have worked with the organization for years. I love that One World Health partners with local people and places to build long-standing relationships that benefit both the businesses and the team.

Learnings and Take-Aways

This trip was definitely more of an opportunity for personal growth than professional growth. That being said, there were things that came up during the week that are definitely applicable to daily practice. Another unique aspect to One World Health is morning devotionals. They help set the stage for the day and give you reflecting points, but they definitely laid the foundation for some big themes throughout the week:

• Identity : knowing who you are and what your values are sets the tone for the type of nurse you’re going to be. What’s important to you? How do you want your patients to remember you? These are things we should think about with each encounter, no matter how brief. ‍
• Community : build connections with people. How much more fun is it to go to work when you know, love, and trust your coworkers and patients?! We’ve all got unique qualities – make it a point to learn about the people you’re working with. ‍
• Compassion : as nurses, we care deeply for people. Remember that, even on the hard days and the busy shifts and with frustrating patients. Don’t be afraid to show people you care – they’d rather interact with a person, not a robot! ‍
• Vulnerability : you don’t need to share all the details of your life, nor do you need to know all the details of someone else’s, but being vulnerable is to some degree is the only way to truly connect with people. ‍
• Joy : it’s everywhere, you just have to look. Our jobs can be hard. It’s easy to let the sad get to you and find it hard to go back every day. Look for the happy moments – they’ll reinforce why you’re there and make the heartache worth it. ‍

One of our team directors summed it up perfectly by saying, “If you don’t go, you don’t know.” So first and foremost, just say yes . Go into it with a positive attitude, an open mind, and an open heart. Your experience is going to have an impact on you, but there’s no way to predict what that impact will be, so don’t overthink it! There’s no way to know how your week will go, and the trip I took this March may look completely different next March.

Each person tends to feel a little bit differently about their experience.

Be present and enjoy it! You get to make a big difference in people’s lives, and that’s nothing compared to the difference they’ll make in yours. And then go tell people about it. Nursing has been named the most trusted profession for nearly twenty years – we have the opportunity as a profession to make a HUGE global impact! All it takes is people who are willing to go.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions! My email address is ashleyeelsbernd (at) gmail (dot) com. For more information on One World Health and the work they’re doing in Uganda and Nicaragua, visit www.oneworldhealth.com . And if you’ve been on any mission trips, I’d love to hear about them and the work you did!

To hear about another mission as well as the challenges and solutions involved in international medical trips, check out this piece ! Safe travels!

Ashley is a seasoned NICU nurse with experience from small local hospitals to large regional pediatric facilities. She still hangs with the babies on a per diem basis while supporting travelers as a Nurse Advocate at Trusted. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in the sun, finding the best spot for ice cream in any given city, and adventuring with her Golden Retriever, Harvey.

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• Join A Medical Mission Team!

10 Things You Need To Know Before Going On A Medical Missions Trip

by Mission Partners For Christ | Jul 2, 2021 | How to Prepare , What We Do | 0 comments

Thinking about joining one of our medical mission teams? GREAT! 

Medical missions trips are transformational experiences for all involved. Serving others changes the hearts of the servants and those being served but being prepared is ESSENTIAL to making a difference. We’ve compiled this list of things you need to know before going on a medical missions trip to help you make a lasting impact. 

Here are 10 things you need to know before going on a medical mission trip:

• Communicating will take more time.

Depending on where you are headed globally, you will most likely be embedded in communities that speak languages that you are not fluent in. This does not mean you have to learn another language before you can join a medical mission trip, but it does mean you need to have is to be aware and to have translators readily available. Patience is also needed because communicating through a translator takes more time than two people fluent in the same language. You will not be able to serve the community well if you cannot communicate effectively with one another. Clear communication is essential to helping people with their health needs

• Be flexible and willing to adapt to unfamiliar conditions.

You are traveling outside of the United States to places that are in need of proper healthcare. Sometimes, other amenities that you are used to will not be available either. In other communities they’re available, but look radically different than what you are used to. You won’t be able to spend every night in a 5 star air conditioned room, familiar food, a hot shower, etc. but that’s part of why these trips are so transformational. Access to clean drinking water may be limited. For example, 60% of Tanzania’s households have water from a protected source as of 2012, so you will most likely have access, but when we travel to remote areas access may be limited. 

• Expect limited supplies and access to equipment.

The number of physicians is not the only thing lacking in the under served communities we travel to. Supplies and access to medical equipment can also be quite scarce. We bring as many supplies and medications as possible to supplement what is available locally.  As a team member you can find out what equipment and supplies will be available, and count on bringing most of what you need! Specialized dressings, medications, and sutures are often the first supplies gathered. (Remember, if you plan to bring medical equipment, it will require a heavy-duty electrical converter to work outside of the US).

• Loosen your grip on the plan and relax the schedule.

In the United States, medical clinics and hospitals often have rigid schedules, and it’s expected for people to abide by a plan. Other countries are much more go-with-the-flow. Out teams have an agenda and loose schedule, but we are also committed to being flexible and serving people whenever they show up. Things can also be highly unpredictable due to the environment not always being stable or reliable, so one must be flexible with any plans that are made. Leave your rigid, timely mindset in the states and choose to be adaptable.

• Be ready to try new foods!

The type of food you are used to eating will not be accessible on a medical missions trip. It’s important to be grateful and humble when trying new foods. You will like some foods you try and others you won’t. Before going on a medical mission’s trip, branch out and try different foods that are common in the communities you will be visiting. Be prepared to say “yes” to what is offered to you. If you have special dietary needs be sure to talk with your team leader early in the process so that adaptations can be discussed. Staying hydrated and well nourished is going to be crucial to your ability to show up and care for people well. Your patients deserve good care from someone who is reliable and alert.

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• Take time before you leave to preparre your mind, body, and soul.

Medical missions trips take a lot of preparation. You will need to take the time to raise money for the supplies you need and then gather those supplies as well. You will want to do research on the types of health concerns you will likely face as some you may be seeing for the first time. All overseas missions trips also require certain vaccinations before entering the country (go to https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel to find out what vaccinations are required for each country and tips for staying healthy abroad). Traveling overseas also requires getting your passport and other important travel documents which can take several months. Make sure you prepare in advance so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute.

• Pack everything.

Packing “light” or “minimally”  is not the best idea because you may not be able to buy the supplies you need in most places. If you are not sure what to pack for every scenario, check with your team leader. They are experienced travelers who can advise you what to pack and what to leave behind. We wrote an entire post about what to bring. You can read it here! 

• Fundraising is essential.

Unless you have been saving up for the trip’s cost, you may need to raise funds ASAP. Cash is good but donations of medical supplies can also make a huge impact. Reaching out to pharmaceutical companies, clinics, hospitals, and local medical related businesses to gather the necessary donations for your trip. This is a great way for family and friends to support you if they’re unable to join you for the trip. You can invite them to securely donate online here. This is one of those rare exceptions where more is more. It’s our goal to take enough supplies that we can leave resources behind for local physicians and clinics. It’s much easier for us to bring the supplies with us than it will ever be to ship things into the country after we leave. Check with your team leader to find out what the specific needs are for your trip! 

• Recognize and honor cultural differences without judging.

When heading into uncharted territory, you may find yourself surprised at the differences that surround you. Remember, we are intentionally traveling to under served areas so you will likely see hospitals and clinics in poor condition. Physicians are usually well trained in conditions they see most often but they can be limited by inadequate access to technology, medication, and cutting edge training. Also, health care, dental care, health education, and nutrition education are highly needed, and medical specialists should know that the lack of knowledge in these areas makes it difficult to approach patients in the same way. Read our list of book recommendations here to help you prepare for diverse cultural experience you’re about to have! 

• Education is critical to long term health maintenance.

Because of the limited access to medical care, educating our patients is key to helping them stay healthy long term! There will be limited opportunities for costly, time consuming follow-up appointments, so be prepared to educate patients for preventative care and after-care. Allowing time to ask questions and really listening to their concerns will greatly improve their long term prognosis. Your team leader will help you know what is encouraged and what behaviors to avoid.

I hope this list of 10 things you need to know before going on a medical mission trip has inspired you to say “YES” to this opportunity.

I’ve been doing this for over a decade and it’s not always easy, but it’s always rewarding. 

There are lots of things to learn before, during, and after you serve on a medical mission trip, but don’t let that scare you! It’s still one of the best ways to create major change in the lives of people with little to no access to medical care.

See you in the mission field!

Sheri Postma, RN Founder & CEO Mission Partners for Christ MissionPartnersforChrist.com Facebook.com/MissionPartnersforChrist Twitter.com/mission_partner

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12 Helpful Tips for Planning Your Next Medical Mission Trip

The key to a smooth and successful medical mission trip is proper planning. With over 6,000 medical mission trips occurring every year, Americans churches and humanitarian groups have enabled countless individuals to enjoy a higher quality of life by providing desperately needed health care. By taking the time to secure cost-effective portable equipment and prepare for their overseas travel, mission groups can help ensure that they encounter no hitches as they provide medical assistance to underserved populations. Below are twelve tips to help medical missionaries succeed as they travel across the globe to spread the gospel and help people in need.

1) Begin sourcing the medical equipment you need well in advance of your trip

Most medical equipment suppliers require time to prepare and ship orders. If you wait until the last minute to begin shopping for medical equipment, you might not be able to obtain the items you need to treat patients.

2) Ask equipment providers if they offer discounts for medical mission purchases

Some medical equipment companies offer discounted pricing for medical mission groups and non-profit agencies. Others periodically donate equipment to mission groups. Make sure that you inquire about these possibilities before you proceed with a purchase.

3) See your travel health provider at least a month before your trip

A trusted travel health provider will help ensure that you have received the proper vaccinations that you need prior to entering certain countries. Schedule a visit to your local travel health provider at least six to eight weeks before you travel to ensure that your health is protected.

4) Focus your efforts on securing portable equipment

Sourcing equipment that is compact and lightweight offers a number of benefits. Portable anesthesia machines, monitors, and cautery units are easier to transport by plane and car, and do not exceed airline weight limits. They can often be transported in a carry-on bag to enable you to hit the ground and help people faster.

5) Make sure that you test your equipment prior to your departure

Waiting until you arrive at your destination to familiarize yourself with new medical equipment can halt your productivity. Before you leave home, power up your medical equipment to ensure that everything is functioning properly. Consider replacing accessories such as blood pressure cuffs, batteries, sensors, and cables.

6) Focus on the essentials

Narrowing down the list of medical equipment to take on your mission can be challenging. In addition to space and weight limitations, you likely have a specified equipment budget that you must adhere to. By focusing on the essential items needed for diagnoses, treatment, and procedures, you can prioritize your equipment list to ensure that you have the tools to help as many patients as possible.

7) Choose equipment that is dual voltage

Not all countries have the same power requirements. Some countries have 110-volt power outlets while others feature 220-volt power outlets. Failure to use medical equipment that is compatible with the voltage requirements of the country you plan to visit can blow a fuse or destroy your equipment. You can avoid this pitfall by using surgical equipment that will function in countries with both 110-volt and 220-volt power requirements.

8) Measure and weigh your bags prior to leaving your home

Most airlines impose a 50-pound weight limit on checked bags. Size restrictions for carry-on bags are also a factor to consider. If you are not able to fit all of your medical equipment into one bag, you can keep some items in your checked bags and place others in your carry-on bag.

9) Provide electronic and hard copies of user manuals

One of the greatest challenges facing overseas healthcare communities is a reluctance to learn how to use medical equipment that is delivered or donated. Many overseas healthcare providers are accustomed to using medical equipment that is decades old. It is a good idea to bring plenty of operators’ manuals as newer products can be intimidating to many overseas healthcare workers.

10) Bring spare accessories if possible

Medical missions often involve visits to communities that are isolated and impoverished. Such communities often do not have the resources to obtain necessary accessories and consumables in the future. You can help provide ongoing healthcare following your departure by carrying a stockpile of accessories with you on your trip.

11) Take plenty of photos during your trips

Medical mission groups often have a profound impact on the communities they visit. Capturing the experience with before and after photos is a wonderful way to create lasting memories of your medical missions and share the ways that you are positively impacting lives. Additionally, individuals who are able to see photos of your mission in action are more likely to be moved to donate funds, equipment, or resources to your organization.

12) Enlist the guidance of an experienced travel management company

An experienced travel management company will help your church or humanitarian organization plan a glitch-free medical mission trip. Whether you are in charge of planning a mission trip or simply planning to participate in one for the first time, a professional ministry travel company can help your organization prepare for your mission and enjoy 45% savings on airline travel. Additionally, a travel management company can provide you with helpful resources and strategies to fund your mission.

Clearly, there are many steps you can take to set the stage for a successful medical mission trip. By following the tips above, you can help ensure that your next medical mission is smooth and productive.

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Short-Term Missions for Undergraduate Students

About imr – for undergraduate students.

Short-term medical mission trips for undergraduate students with IMR will help you expand your school boundaries and transform the world into your classroom.

If you’re a current or aspiring medical, dental, or health-related student looking to gain experience or insight into global health, mission trips from IMR offer the  exciting opportunity to participate in patient care  in a clinic setting under the direct supervision of licensed medical professionals.

Through a tailored combination of mentoring, observation, and tutorial, International Medical Relief’s clinic-based short-term medical mission trips will  give you a unique perspective of the rewards and demands of a medical career . We’ll help you develop a better understanding of myriad global healthcare issues, narrow your scope of interest, and give you an edge when it comes to completing university or medical school applications.

Why a Short-Term Medical Mission Trip with IMR?

Get class credit while exploring the world.

IMR works with universities across the country to help both medical and non-medical students participate in our medical mission trips.

Students interested in pursuing a medical career have found their experience in the field with IMR to be enormously valuable in supplementing their education. Gain  80-110 clinical hours  on each mission while shadowing providers and having opportunities for hands-on patient assessments and direct patient interaction.

IMR  student volunteers are heavily involved in the running our clinic operations , as they assist in pharmacy, patient intake, clinic triage, provider-patient care, and direct patient education on preventative and community health topics. You will receive a certificate of participation and, upon request, may receive letters of recommendation from your team leader and other volunteers you work with in the field to add to your portfolio.

If you are looking to make your grad school application more unique,  adding international experience to your resume is a definite plus . Review boards will be impressed that you were able to fit in a medical mission with your packed schedule. More importantly, your mission abroad demonstrates that you have interests beyond the classroom that you actively pursued with dedication and heart.

Gain Hands-On Experience with Service Learning

Our clinic-based missions are designed to help you understand the realities of life in the medical field. You’ll  serve with team members from a variety of backgrounds working with medical professionals  who will mentor you in this real clinical environment. One day you might be shadowing in pediatrics as a doctor conducts a procedure, the next you might assisting a nurse practitioner with burn injuries. You’ll gain experience in every department necessary to run a clinic: intake, vitals, triage, treatment, diagnosis, pharmaceutical instruction, and community education. IMR matches your interests and specialties to maximize your opportunity.

Whether it’s shadowing a doctor in South America, participating in healthcare outreach in Asia, or helping to treat infectious diseases in Africa, we design IMR missions for both global and medical experience.

IMR's All-Inclusive Clinicals Abroad Experience

We make the arrangements.

Travel with ease as IMR caters to all of your arrangements from beginning to end. Your experience includes international and in-country transportation, in-country lodging and meals, and all ground logistics. You’ll work in clinics fully stocked with supplies, medicines, and diagnostic equipment for the team’s utilization. Your seasoned team leaders have vast international humanitarian experience and medical backgrounds.

Our number-one priority is that you are comfortable, safe and secure  during your time with us to make this the best experience of your life. To help put your mind at ease, all of our missions take place in friendly communities that will welcome you with open arms. Parents and family members are always welcome to participate in our pre-field training and conference calls. We have round-the-clock staff members who are just a phone call away in case of emergency while you are abroad.

Take the first step towards this life-changing experience. New friends, new cultures, new skills and memories await. We know you are excited, so why not get started on your application?

Join Us in Making a Difference.

Bring much-needed acute medical and dental care to a beautiful, culture-rich destination. You can join an IMR medical mission team today!

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Best Medical Mission Trips 2024 & 2025

International Volunteer HQ offers medical mission trips abroad for aspiring and practicing medical professionals, including pre-med and medical students, doctors, nurses, dentists and other specialties.

With more than 16 years of experience organizing affordable and all-inclusive medical volunteer programs , IVHQ offers top-rated medical missions in Africa, Asia, Central America and South America.

All of IVHQ’s medical mission trips host volunteers year-round with flexible booking so you can easily make free changes to your destination, dates or duration up until 14 days before you start. Our all-inclusive medical mission programs start from only $20 per day and include accommodation, meals, airport pickup and 24/7 in-country support, making them super safe and affordable!

Whether you’re looking for medical missions trips for college students, pre-medical students, undergraduates, medical professionals or medical mission trips for nurses, IVHQ’s team of Volunteer Travel Specialists can help match you with a program that aligns with your personal goals and level of experience. For expert support, you can request personalized program recommendations from our experienced team.

What are medical mission trips?

On a medical mission trip with IVHQ, you will have the opportunity to provide medical care and health education to communities where resources and services are limited or difficult to access. By shadowing local doctors and nurses, you’ll play an important role in providing essential healthcare within under-resourced clinics and hospitals.

Whether you are traveling solo or want to organize a medical mission trip for nurses, college students or professionals, IVHQ makes planning a medical mission easy and affordable. Regardless of your destination, medical mission trips are a unique opportunity to work alongside local medical professionals abroad, gain hands-on career experience you often can’t find at home and provide invaluable support to hospitals and clinics within local communities.

Our programs are fully hosted, including airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support, meaning you can leave home feeling confident that you’ll be well supported in your new home away from home. Plus, you’ll be in the company of like-minded international medical students and professionals who share a passion for developing new skills and a global medical perspective.

Explore medical mission trips

• 2024 & 2025 medical mission trips in your specialty field
• Best medical missions for pre-med students
• Best medical missions for students and professionals?
• Best medical mission trips for nurses and pre-nursing students?

How long can I go on a medical mission trip for?

• Best medical or nursing mission trips for groups

Why go on a medical mission trip?

• Best medical mission trips for 2024 & 2025

How to apply for a medical mission trip

What 2024 & 2025 medical mission trips are available in your specialty field.

IVHQ offers affordable medical mission trips for nursing students and medical students, as well as trips for qualified healthcare professionals. If you’re an aspiring healthcare professional, we also organize medical mission trips for pre-medical students and pre-nursing students .

All volunteers are supervised by local staff and work under instruction from qualified doctors, so regardless of your level of qualification or experience, you’ll be well supported to make a valuable contribution as a medical volunteer abroad.

Check out our range of specialty medical volunteer opportunities:

• Dentistry - Costa Rica , Peru - Cusco , Guatemala , India - Kerala , India - Delhi , Tanzania
• Pharmacy - Peru (Cusco) , Guatemala , India (Delhi) , Zambia , Tanzania
• Physical Therapy and Physiotherapy - Guatemala , Peru (Cusco) , Costa Rica , Mexico , Vietnam , Sri Lanka , China , India (Delhi) , Nepal , Kenya , Romania
• Gynecology - Peru (Cusco) , Guatemala , Sri Lanka , Nepal , Cambodia , Tanzania , Zambia
• HIV/AIDS - Costa Rica , Kenya , Zambia
• Lab Technology - Peru (Cusco) , India (Delhi and Kerala) , Nepal , Tanzania , Zambia
• Midwifery - Peru (Cusco) , Nepal , Zambia , Ghana , Tanzania
• Nutritionist - Peru (Cusco and Lima) , Guatemala
• Optometry - Peru (Cusco) , Tanzania
• Orthopedics - Sri Lanka , Vietnam
• Occupational Therapy - Costa Rica , Mexico , Peru (Cusco) , Guatemala , Sri Lanka , Vietnam , Nepal
• Paramedics - Costa Rica , Guatemala , Peru (Cusco) , Tanzania
• Pediatrics - Peru (Cusco) , Guatemala , Costa Rica , India (Delhi) , Sri Lanka , Nepal , Cambodia , Tanzania , Zambia
• Radiology - Peru (Cusco) , Nepal , India (Delhi) , Vietnam
• Sonography - Peru (Cusco) , Tanzania

All IVHQ programs are open and hosting volunteers

You can make free changes to your booking up to 14 days before you start, and we have additional health and safety measures in place.

Medical missions for pre-med students

If you’re a pre-med student, IVHQ offers a range of medical volunteer opportunities and mission trips for pre-med students that provide you with the hands-on experience needed to excel in your field. You can join IVHQ’s medical volunteer projects in the following locations:

• India (Delhi)
• Peru (Cusco)

Explore pre-med programs

Medical mission trips for students and professionals

If you have completed your second year of medical or nursing school, or if you are a qualified healthcare professional, you are are eligible to join IVHQ in these destinations:

• India (Delhi and Kerala)

You can expect to support a range of tasks across diverse healthcare settings in these destinations. This may include providing basic patient care, taking vitals, dressing wounds, triage nursing, and helping to prepare medical equipment. There are also opportunities to observe local doctors and nurses in operating rooms, as well as shadow their daily routines.

Our IVHQ Volunteer Travel Specialists will offer guidance to help determine which destination would be best suited to your interests and experience, as some of our medical volunteer programs offer opportunities specific to certain skills and medical specialties. We are committed to aligning your qualifications and interests with the needs of the local community. Please contact us for more information.

See all medical programs

Nurse mission trips for pre-nursing students and registered nurses

Whether you’re a fully qualified nurse or a pre-nursing student, IVHQ provides affordable nursing mission trips that accommodate varying levels of experience. Below are our top rated medical mission trips for nurses:

Discover nursing programs

IVHQ runs medical volunteer programs year-round, and you can choose from either long-term or short-term medical mission trips, ranging from 1 week to 24 weeks.

Best nursing and medical mission trips for groups

If you are traveling with a group of medical students or colleagues and would like to participate on a 1-week medical mission or nurse mission trip, you can volunteer abroad as a group on a Medical Campaign in the following locations:

• Peru - Cusco and Lima

Explore group opportunities

As a medical volunteer abroad on a mission trip, you’ll be immersed in a new culture and develop a global perspective of medicine while assisting communities with limited access to healthcare resources. By working closely with medical professionals in your host community, you will gain invaluable clinical experience, a deeper understanding of how foreign healthcare systems function and the everyday challenges that they have to overcome.

Best Medical Mission Trips For 2024 & 2025

As the world’s leading provider of affordable medical volunteer programs and mission trips, IVHQ makes it easy to customize a program to match your qualifications and travel plans. Discover these top program recommendations from IVHQ’s team of Medical Mission Specialists.

Tanzania Medical Mission Volunteer Program

• Required qualifications: Students who have complete at least 3 years at medical/nursing school, qualified doctors, nurses, CNAs, EMTs, paramedics and public health workers
• Placement settings: Volunteers are based in variety of local Clinics and small Hospitals
• Program duration: Volunteer for 1 to 24 weeks, programs start on the 1st and 15th of each month
• Program fees: Start from US$320. Fees include airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

In many communities in Tanzania, healthcare is not easily accessible or affordable. This Medical volunteer project aims to change that by placing volunteers in medical clinics that serve vulnerable people. Medical volunteers in Tanzania are greatly received, especially those who come with initiative, enthusiasm and readiness to work in very basic facilities with limited resources available. Volunteers work in a variety of settings, including medical clinics and hospitals, with the location depending on the volunteers previous experience and training. To comply with the Tanzania Healthcare System, volunteers will shadow local doctors and assist in performing basic patient care, and it’s important to note that this project focuses more on observation, than getting involved in operations or independent medical tasks.

Experiencing medicine in a third world hospital was amazing and eye opening. The doctors were extremely welcoming and grateful. Exploring Arusha and Moshi with the other volunteers and seeing the African culture first hand were some of my favorite moments. Amy Freeman (IVHQ Volunteer in Tanzania)

Guatemala Medical Mission Volunteer Program

• Required qualifications: Volunteers at all levels of medical training and experience are welcome, including medical/nursing students, pre med nursing/medical students, qualified doctors, nurses, CNAs, EMTs, paramedics and public health workers
• Placement settings: Volunteers are based in local clinics, hospitals and elderly homes
• Program duration: Volunteer for 1 to 24 weeks, programs start every Monday
• Program fees: From US$405 for 1 week. Fees include airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

The healthcare system in Guatemala is generally underfunded and understaffed, especially outside of the major cities. Volunteers on the Medical project in Guatemala can help provide access to medical resources while gaining hands-on experience working with local doctors and nurses in local clinics. Work is available for volunteers of all experience levels, but assigned tasks and the level of independence a volunteer will have depends on their qualifications and experience, as well as Spanish language skills.

The project was a perfect integration of basic sciences and clinical medicine, and it also allowed for the group to see preventative and diagnostic medicine. It was exactly what we were looking for as 1st/2nd year medical students. The fact that we got to see a rural village as well as the schools was a great asset to this trip. It really allowed the group to contrast what underserved areas are really like when outside of the U.S. The hands-on experiences that we were able to participate in are priceless and will be held dear to everyone on the trip. Madison Bangert (IVHQ Volunteer in Guatemala)

Peru Medical Mission Volunteer Program

• Required qualifications: All levels of medical or nursing study are welcome, including medical/nursing students, qualified doctors, nurses and CNAs with an intermediate level of Spanish
• Placement settings: A mobile “clini-bus”
• Program duration: Volunteer for 1 to 24 weeks, programs start on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month
• Program fees: From US$220 for 1 week which includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

Medical and nursing students who speak at least intermediate Spanish can help a mobile clinic provide healthcare access to underprivileged areas of Lima, while working alongside Peruvian healthcare professionals. Depending on your level of experience and Spanish skill level, medical volunteers may provide assistance with initial assessments, essential procedures like vaccinations and wound care, triage or helping with the operational set up each day.

Everything was above and beyond what I had hoped for. The house had everything we needed, and the food was amazing. IVHQ is the best. I had the most fulfilling trip, and am already planning on returning next summer. Thanks so much for making volunteering affordable and fun. Olivia Gissing (IVHQ Volunteer in Lima, Peru)

Nepal Medical Mission Volunteer Program

• Required qualifications: Volunteers who are in at least their third year of medical or nursing school are welcome, as well as qualified doctors, nurses and paramedics
• Placement settings: Hospitals or medical schools
• Program duration: Volunteer for 2 to 12 weeks, programs start on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month
• Program fees: From $500 for 2 weeks. Fees include airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

Medical volunteers in Nepal are based in either Kathmandu, Chitwan or Pokhara. You’ll shadow qualified physicians and nurses and familiarize yourself with procedures in the operating surgery ward, provide support in the physical therapy and burns units, learn about immunizations and family planning, and provide support to new mothers. Qualified nurses and medical professionals can request to work in their area of expertise, including ICU, radiology, oncology, emergency, surgery, burns unit, gynecology, pediatrics and pharmacy. Please note that local regulations prevent volunteers from treating patients without the supervision of local professionals so most volunteer work will be observational in nature.

I would recommend this program to anybody. As a recent medical graduate, I found that I was able to give and take as much as I could from the program. The two week rural placement gave me experience and an opportunity to observe diseases, management strategies, and patient interaction. I was also able to help diagnose and treat certain conditions which may have otherwise been missed or misdiagnosed.This is an experience I will never forget. Sumudu Welikumbura (IVHQ Volunteer in Nepal)

India Medical Mission Volunteer Program

• Required ualifications: Pre-medical, nursing and medical students, qualified medical professionals and others working in closely related medical fields are welcome on this program
• Placement settings: In Delhi, volunteers work in hospitals and mobile clinics
• Program fees: From $250 which includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

As a volunteer in Delhi, you’ll help provide medical care to those in need and gain first-hand insight into India’s medical systems. Volunteers in India work in hospitals and clinics in Delhi, shadowing experienced physicians who are enthusiastic about exchanging their knowledge and experience. Here, volunteers assist with routine medical tasks, such as taking vitals, providing advice regarding health, nutrition and sanitation during routine check-ups, or treating minor injuries and wounds. The amount of hands-on volunteer work you are able to do will depend on your level of training and experience, as well as the length of your stay. Longer-term volunteers (staying 3 months or more) will have more scope to assist with hands-on tasks, and qualified professionals may request to work in their area of expertise.

It was such a good experience! On the health project, we were given a chance to see many sides of the Indian healthcare system and all of our questions were answered. I was so impressed with each placement and learned so much. It was very good that as a brand new nurse with so little clinical experience, I was given a chance to learn so much. Katelyn Rowland (IVHQ Volunteer in Delhi, India)

Vietnam Medical Mission Volunteer Program

• Required qualifications: Volunteers who are studying medicine or nursing at any level, including Pre-medical/nursing students, qualified doctors, nurses, CNAs and EMTs
• Placement settings: Volunteers are based in a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City
• Program duration: Volunteer for 2 to 24 weeks, programs start every Monday
• Program fees: From $485 for two weeks. Fees include airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

Both students and skilled medical professionals have the opportunity to experience a new working environment and the Vietnamese culture, while developing their global medical perspective as medical volunteer in Vietnam . . Volunteers provide support to an orthopedic and rehabilitation hospital, working alongside local doctors and nurses in the areas of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Here, volunteers work with children and adults who suffer from cerebral palsy, down syndrome, congenital motor system deformity and other disabilities. Qualified volunteers may join this project but should not expect to be able to treat patients as local regulations prevent volunteers from providing unsupervised hands-on care to patients.

The medical placement was the perfect combination of challenging, rewarding and eye-opening. I continue to be inspired by all the hard-working staff and medical team at the hospital, who do so much but with so little. Amazing! Phuong Dinh (IVHQ Volunteer in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam)

Want to learn more about IVHQ’s full range of Medical and Healthcare volunteer abroad projects? Discover all your options for a medical mission trip .

• Browse our medical mission opportunities and choose a date, destination and medical volunteer program you’d like to join.
• Complete with the details of your chosen medical volunteer program and dates, as well as details of your qualifications, skills and experience in the medical field. You will then receive an email from IVHQ to confirm that we have received your application. Within 48 hours (2 working days), you will receive an email from your IVHQ Program Manager acknowledging your application and confirming the destination, project and dates of your volunteer program. In this email, you will receive instructions on how to pay the Registration Fee in order to reserve your place to volunteer with IVHQ.
• Log to pay your Registration Fee. As soon as your Registration Fee has been received by IVHQ, you will be provided with all the information and support you need to prepare for your upcoming medical mission trip. Your IVHQ Program Manager will be your point of contact throughout your preparations up until you finish your volunteer program.
• Contact the IVHQ Groups Team if you are looking to volunteer abroad as a group, so we can customize a medical mission trip for you.

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• Am J Public Health
• v.104(7); Jul 2014

Short-Term Medical Service Trips: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Short-term medical service trips (MSTs) aim to address unmet health care needs of low- and middle-income countries. The lack of critically reviewed empirical evidence of activities and outcomes is a concern.

Developing evidence-based recommendations for health care delivery requires systematic research review. I focused on MST publications with empirical results. Searches in May 2013 identified 67 studies published since 1993, only 6% of the published articles on the topic in the past 20 years. Nearly 80% reported on surgical trips.

Although the MST field is growing, its medical literature lags behind, with nearly all of the scholarly publications lacking significant data collection. By incorporating data collection into service trips, groups can validate practices and provide information about areas needing improvement.

With globalization, there has been significant growth in short-term medical service trips (MSTs) from high-income countries (HICs) to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although MSTs deliver significant amounts of care, relatively little attention is given in the medical and public health literature to the impact of these interventions on the populations being served. The following review offers a step forward by addressing this gap with a systematic analysis of the existing empirical work and suggestions for further study.

According to the World Health Organization, the highest proportions of the global burden of disease fall on the regions that also suffer significantly from physician shortages. 1 A growing group from HICs aims to address both medical and surgical unmet needs in LMICs through MSTs, sometimes referred to as medical missions.

For purposes of this review, MSTs are defined as trips in which volunteer medical providers from HICs travel to LMICs to provide health care over periods ranging from 1 day to 8 weeks. Both faith-based organizations and non–faith-based organizations facilitate these trips, a feature that will be discussed in more detail later. Team composition can range from members of academic departments from a single institution to collections of individuals affiliated only by friendship, geography, or the organization facilitating the trip.

Authors of several published articles have noted that MSTs as a form of aid do not address the primary sources of the health care problems in the developing world: poverty and overstretched health care infrastructure. 2–4 There are, however, significant resources, financial and human, dedicated to MSTs annually. Although there is no central monitoring group or agency for MSTs, conservative estimates that do not take into account opportunity costs for the volunteers place the annual expenditures at $250 million. 5 With expenditures of this magnitude, questions naturally arise about the return on investment. If noteworthy returns exist and organizations are simply not measuring or reporting them, then this can be remedied. If the returns do not exist and the missions continue, an ethical dilemma may be emerging.

Over the past 20 years, publications describing MSTs have largely aimed to promote models of health care delivery in these settings. The pressure to develop practice guidelines has created some standardization in care, but the lack of critically reviewed empirical data continues to be a concern. Assumptions that the safety and acceptable risk or rates of complications from HICs are automatically transferable to MSTs are unwarranted and could be dangerous. 6

The lack of evidence is particularly concerning when one considers the vulnerable nature of patients living in LMICs. 2 Under the best circumstances, MSTs address an unmet medical need with high-quality care. Under the worst circumstances, they serve, as one author states, as an opportunity for physicians to practice techniques for the treatment of conditions that are less common in the developed world. 7 This example is extreme and is unlikely to play a role in the justification for most contemporary MSTs, but the possibility is concerning. One report in the faith-based literature (of an evangelical short-term mission trip in this case) suggested that some trips may benefit the volunteer as much as or more than the recipient of aid as well as potentially costing the hosts valuable time and resources. 8

Martiniuk et al. recently provided a starting point in the review of MST evidence; however, they included articles with mixed goals and did little to assess the quality of the articles presenting empirical data from MSTs or their participants. 9 The authors described benefits associated with MSTs, including personal gains for the volunteers and an increased sense of solidarity between the recipients and volunteers. They went on to identify common criticisms of MSTs, namely questions about efficacy or impact and unintended consequences.

The present review differs in several ways. First, it specifically targets publications with empirical results based on intentional data collection regarding activities associated with MSTs. These empirical results include work discussing treatment interventions, cost-effectiveness, quality assessment and assurance, or the perspectives of MST participants and target communities. Second, it addresses the assessment of quality. Third, the final section of this article suggests a framework drawn from the existing literature and its remaining gaps for the minimum data collection requirements necessary to expand the evidence base for MSTs.

Investments in MSTs continue to grow while their impact remains largely unmeasured. This demands a critical review and illustrates the need to measure the quality and impact of MSTs. 2,5,10–13 Analyzing the status of existing empirical evidence will help to establish some basic guidelines and a research agenda for future work in this area. Scholarship in the fields of social psychology and tourism also addresses aspects of MSTs; however, this review focuses solely on the medical literature.

This review follows the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines for constructing the review methodology. 14 The aim is to standardize the reporting of reviews. PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge were the primary sources for identifying relevant publications ( Figure 1 ), using queries for the medical subject headings “medical missions, official” and a “medical missions” topical search for each engine, respectively. After adding limitations for English-language publications, I limited the pool further to those articles with a date of publication between January 1, 1993, and May 15, 2013. Exclusionary terms (e.g., “not dental” and “not disaster response”) narrowed the data set. Finally, I used the terms “study” or “analysis” to identify publications with the empirical level of analysis to establish evidence for MSTs.

Literature search for research on short-term medical service trips (STMSTs): January 1, 1993–May 15, 2013.

To be included in this review, publications had to report on work performed in association with a short-term MST. I defined short-term as trips with a duration of less than or equal to 2 months. Because the intent for this work was to focus on the available evidence produced by these publications, it includes only publications with intentional data collection regarding procedures, patients, volunteers, or the MST literature.

A review of the full-text versions of each publication determined inclusion. In some cases, the abstracts did not reveal enough information to accurately characterize the publication; therefore, a subsequent review of the full-text article was necessary to assess for exclusionary characteristics. Finally, I reviewed the bibliographies of the included articles to identify additional publications missed by the previously described methods. I then subjected these to the same process of inclusion and exclusion analysis.

I collected authors and the date and journal of publication from the final list of studies. This was followed by the collection of study-specific data including focus (literature, patients, participants, equipment, community, or cost-effectiveness), medical specialty or subspecialty, nature of the trip (surgical, medical, or both), study design, sample size, location, duration of the trip, affiliated organizations, and the terms used to refer to MSTs.

The search process identified 1164 unique publications. Abstract reviews reduced the number to 112 for full-text review. As noted by other authors, one significant limitation on searches for this literature base is the diversity of terms used to refer to seemingly the same activity. 15 I identified more than 45 terms used to refer to MSTs ( Table 1 ). The final group of publications included 67 studies for the quantitative and qualitative analysis.

TABLE 1—

Terms Used in Publications to Refer to Medical Service Trips From Literature Search: January 1, 1993–May 15, 2013

Note . DENCAP = dental civilian aid/assistance projects; MCMO = medical civilian–military operation; MEDCAP = medical civilian aid/assistance projects; MEDRETE = medical readiness training exercise; MOOTW = military operations other than war; OHDACA = overseas humanitarian disaster and civic aid.

When one considers the entire eligible group of publications on the topic of MSTs, these studies represent a mere 5.7% of the more than 1100 publications on the topic in the past 20 years. Figure 2 illustrates the increase in annual publications on this topic in recent years. The peak of 15 publications per year occurred in 2012. The most common journal for these reports was the World Journal of Surgery with 15% of the publications (10 of 67).

Medical service trip publications by year (included and excluded), from literature search: January 1, 1993–May 15, 2013.

The results presented here synthesize the emerging and diverse nature of the MST literature. Results are organized around a series of questions that this literature attempts to answer. There are obvious gaps in the scope of the questions posed here. Moreover, much of the data generated by these publications lacks adequate support to answer fully these questions. Thus, the review closes with a proposal for the basic data points that participants in MSTs could collect during their efforts to answer the bigger yet still unanswered questions.

In spite of a diverse group of study designs, nearly all of the publications (98%) represent low-level evidence when judged against standard research design evaluation tools. Nearly two thirds of the publications can be classified in 3 groups on the basis of their study design. The largest proportion of the studies (49%) employed a retrospective study design or simple descriptive statistics to report their findings. Quality improvement or quality assurance projects represent the second most common among the published reports, with 9 studies (13%). Surveys of individuals that volunteer on MSTs and organizations that operate MSTs represent 10% of the publications.

Although the included articles all contained empirical results based on the use of systematic data collection, approximately one third of the studies did not describe their data collection process and 70% failed to describe approval from institutional review boards or their equivalents, leaving it unclear whether the organizations affiliated with these publications had their efforts overseen by an institutional review board. Most organizations freely reported the frequency of the procedures or visits that occurred during an MST (essentially outputs), but the data fail to include demographic characteristics such as socioeconomic status of patients or even gender and age distributions. 16 These are the most basic elements required to describe patient populations for the majority of scholarly literature.

Characteristics of MSTs That Publish Empirical Findings

This group of publications represents the broad scope of activities and locations in which MSTs are performed. With the exception of Antarctica, every continent is represented as either a provider or a recipient of care, with the majority of the recipients being distributed across regions of Africa, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. Some publications (24%) describe individual trips to a single location. 17–32 Others (34%) describe multiple trips to single countries. 3,9,33–53 Finally, the last group (42%) describes multiple trips to multiple countries that in some cases are completely unrelated to one another. 5,6,15,54–78

The fields of optometry, medicine, pharmacy, and surgery were represented. Nearly 81% (54 of 67) of the studies reported on surgical trips, with 17 of the 54 referring specifically to cleft lip and palate interventions. Thirty-one percent (n = 21) of the publications included pediatric care. Trip duration ranged from 1 day to 8 weeks. Patient sample sizes varied considerably ranging from a single case to up to 8151 patients. Thirty-six (56%) of the 64 studies included reported a sample size of 200 or smaller.

Reported Magnitude of MST Efforts

Magnitude can be defined as both the financial expenditures and the volume of procedures associated with MSTs. According to 2 publications, respondents indicated that the total costs of MSTs ranged from $12 600 to $84 000 per trip (mean ranging from $22 650 59 to $34 400 5 ), and conservative estimates for annual expenditures from teams departing from the United States totaled $250 million. 5

McQueen et al. published the results of their survey of medical service organizations and reported that the organizations perform 223 425 surgical cases per year. 70 Many of these organizations and others may be focusing on maximizing the number operations in a short-term setting at the potential expense of quality of care. 78 Approximately 13% of the organizations surveyed provided more than 1000 cases per year. 70 Again, with estimates of expenditures from the United States alone reaching one quarter of a million dollars and with hundreds of thousands of patients treated annually, questions naturally arise about the return on investment.

Cost-Effectiveness in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

An increased focus on the publication of projects that measure the cost-effectiveness of their interventions is a promising and emerging trend in the development of the evidence base for MST activities. 17,45,67 Three publications used cost-effectiveness analysis as a mechanism for evaluating the efforts of MSTs. Two of the 3 cost-effectiveness studies reviewed cleft lip and palate surgeries performed by 2 organizations. 45,67 As noted in the article by Moon et al., both their study 45 and the previous study by Magee et al. 67 concluded that intervening surgically for cleft lip and palate patients represents a cost-effective intervention with a cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) of $68 and $34, respectively.

The third cost-effectiveness study evaluated orthopedic surgical trips to Nicaragua and comparably defined the interventions as cost-effective, but at a much higher investment level of $352.15 per DALY averted. 45

Factors That May Limit the Evaluation of MSTs

The contributions of some of the included publications are limited because of the lack of priority for research among medical service organizations and the absence of standardized evaluation tools. Medical service organizations do not regularly include research as a part of their goals.

A survey of 10 international volunteer organizations revealed specifically that they see it as a luxury or side project that yields limited benefits to their mission. 78 Maki et al. contributed a tool for use with MSTs 5 ; however, only 1 of the 21 publications subsequently citing this article described using the proposed tool in any form. 60 Current evaluative measures fail to assess any unintentional harm resulting from MSTs. 2

Reasons Why People Participate in MSTs

Numerous publications, including those from scholars in business, economics, sociology, and tourism, have explored the motivations of volunteers participating in MSTs. Some have claimed that participation in an MST provides an opportunity for personal development, and others have reported an opportunity to promote diplomatic relations. 60 Beyond the article by Chiu et al., 60 only the literature discussing the work of military MSTs explicitly addresses the concept of diplomacy.

Withers et al. reported emotional benefits, as well as career and professional benefits derived from participation in MSTs. 53 Panosian and Coates asserted that the global perspective emerging in students that have matured in the era of globalization materializes in the form of MSTs throughout the US medical education, from aspiring medical students to the postgraduate level. 79 Although they may get these same emotional benefits, they also hope to gain exposure to medical care, show a compassion for the less fortunate on their medical school application, and gain connections in the field. 53

Personal connections to the mission of an organization play a role in a volunteer’s interest, and the emotional experiences draw volunteers together creating relationships that extend beyond the trips. 53 Relationships and the volunteer’s ability to feel valuable and useful are reportedly among the most important factors in motivating volunteers to return for future MSTs. 53 Withers et al. also reported that only 1 of the 30 interviewees discussed a religious or spiritual reason for volunteering. 53

Role of Religion or Faith-Based Organizations

From the 19th century through the early 20th century, MST efforts appear to have been predominantly faith-based. Current efforts, however, are increasingly secular. 80

Among the reviewed literature, Internet searches of the organizations described revealed that only 18% (12 of 67) of the publications refer to activities performed in conjunction with a faith-based organization. This is lower than the 33% of faith-based organizations represented in a survey of 40 medical service organizations from 2010 59 ; thus, the proportion of faith-based organizations reported in this review may slightly underrepresent the proportion performing these activities overall. 53

Role of Education in MST Activities

Medical service organizations often tout reciprocity for their public image in the form of bilateral education—that is, providers from HICs learning from providers in LMICs and vice versa. Therefore, education has 3 forms on these trips: (1) education of students from HICs by providers from HICs and LMICs, (2) education of providers in LMICs by providers from HICs, and (3) education of providers from HICs by providers from LMICs.

Two studies from this review focused solely on the education of pharmacy students or surgical trainees resulting from MSTs. 57,58 Both studies reported a strongly positive experience and the second claimed to be the first to demonstrate the ability of an MST to provide positive training in cultural competency. The concept of cultural competency is a key training item for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Campbell et al. argued that some residency training programs in the United States could use MSTs as a mechanism for meeting that training competency. 58

Almost half (48%) of the included studies indicated that their trip included an educational component or exchange aimed at increasing the medical knowledge of local providers or community members. Several of these publications discussed the third educational form loosely, but they fail to formally evaluate or measure this practice. Compiling results from 3 studies that included surveys of medical service organizations reveals that respondents reported an educational or training component in 43%, 59 60%, 5 and 89% 70 of trips.

Publications associated with various international partnerships between providers in HICs and LMICs included the term “independence” when referring to local provider achievements. 36,41,44,46,52,61,73,74 Independence seems to mean that the providers achieve a level of competence that reflects the observable ability to safely manage patients and treat them in a manner equivalent to the quality achieved in HICs. All of these partnerships began as MSTs, or MSTs continually support and augment the care provided by local providers. All but 1 evaluated their ability to establish independence among the local providers (although they failed to include descriptions of methods for evaluating it). The publications reported on relationships that ranged in length from 2 to 15 years. Although there is not a clear timeline to independence, publications describing partnerships lasting 10 years or less at least showed independence in postoperative management. The 2 publications reporting relationships of greater than 10 years showed a mixed level of independence. 52,73 One reported complete independence at 15 years and one reported independence at 75% of their sites 14 years into the relationships. 44

Patient Outcomes From MSTs

When asked about patient outcomes and the processes in place for the collection of patient outcomes, volunteers or the organizations that facilitate MSTs reported 1 to 3 days of follow-up and surgical trips included follow-up ranging from 1 day to 1 week. 5 Surveys by Maki et al. and others revealed that 60% to 80% of organizations tracked morbidity and mortality data. 5,70,78 This is in stark contrast to the standards in HICs that track this information and in some cases pay providers according to performance on these measures.

In this review, 13 of the 67 publications (19%) reported mortality in a total of 59 patients. Nearly half of these (n = 30) were likely the result of progression of the disease being treated or a comorbidity. Five died from unknown causes. Four deaths were attributable to sepsis, allergic reactions, or a blood transfusion reaction. Two deaths reportedly resulted from complications associated with pre-existing conditions that patients failed to report preoperatively. 6 One case of malignant hyperthermia was reported in this group of publications. The remaining deaths related largely to cardiopulmonary complications in operative cases for various cardiac conditions.

For our purposes, outcomes are classified in 2 ways: early and late. I defined early outcomes as the immediate postintervention or perioperative periods ranging from zero to 7 days. I defined late outcomes at minimum as 8 days after treatment or as the period after the trip on which the patient received initial treatment.

Among the 50 publications (75%) focusing on the patients of MSTs, only 26% (n = 13) reported late outcomes. The length of follow-up included in these publications ranged from approximately 3 months to 7.6 years. The proportion of patients included in those follow-up statistics ranged from 14% to 84%. The remaining 74% (n = 37) of publications excluded any documentation of outcomes or they were limited to early outcomes.

One qualitative study aimed to establish the feasibility of collecting late outcomes in cleft palate patients. 49 This study presents a unique view into the world of these patients in some cases years after their surgeries. These patients received care from numerous groups and the results do not represent outcomes for one specific intervention. 49 Most notably this publication revealed that patients and their families attribute multiple benefits to surgical intervention despite the absence of the HIC standard level of follow-up care for speech and swallow therapy.

Noma describes an often fatal rapidly spreading and invasive gangrene with edema of the face originating from an ulcer of the mucous membrane and extending outwardly to destroy bone and soft tissue in surrounding regions. 81 In HICs, interventions for noma may have failure rates as high as 73%. 56 Bouman et al. reported complications in 64% of patients and outcomes that were classified as “bad” in 41%. 56 This article presented data regarding early outcomes alone.

How Those Affected by MSTs Perceive Teams and Activities

Green et al. provided the first empirical evidence regarding the perception of people directly and indirectly connected to the work of MSTs in Guatemala. 3 This interview group (n = 72) was composed of health care providers, family members of patients, government officials, foreign medical providers, and nonmedical personnel that work with or around MSTs. One Guatemalan physician indicated that medical service volunteers inaccurately perceive that everyone is poor, thus relieving them from the need to assess the socioeconomic status of patients. 3 The authors covered a few benefits that Guatemalans attribute to MSTs including providing necessary specialty services to patients, education for local providers, and donations of supplies, but even the benefits they described came with strong caveats about problems that may result from improperly distributing services and materials. The authors also explored unintended consequences of the actions of MSTs and attributed causality largely to a lack of knowledge of the surrounding medical and sociological environment.

Reeve et al. used open-ended survey questions to explore the beliefs and expectations of patients and families receiving care from MSTs for cleft lip or palate. 29 The patients expressed that they believed that the surgery would make a dramatic difference in their lives and that their primary goal for the surgery was improving their speech. According to the authors, most informants inaccurately perceived the origins of the developmental disorder. Finally, the primary concern for patients’ parents going into surgery was pain management.

Deonandan et al. described an MST aiming to improve health literacy among tribal people in Guyana awaiting care from their team. 40 The MST identified a basic disconnect between some of the ideas expressed in public health messaging and the knowledge base of the community. Although many describe the presumed benefits of repeat trips to an area, only Jewell described the phenomenon of gender empowerment as a benefit. 21 The observation of female involvement in the MST prompted women to express feelings of a new ability to move toward gender equity. 21 This empowerment differs from the standard definitions employed in the United States, but nonetheless the presence of the MST and the distribution of authority on the team across both genders promoted female empowerment in this setting.

Outputs vs Outcomes of MSTs

Because of their study design and isolated data that may be difficult to reproduce, one group of publications (n = 18) has extremely limited generalizability and benefit for the MST knowledge base. These studies did not include any assessment of the outcomes of interventions. In some cases, they reported on early clinical outcomes associated with morbidity and mortality that occurs during the stay of the team, but intervention efficacy remained absent from their discussions. In the Methods section for some of these publications, there was little or no information about the data collection process or any analysis plan. The focus of the Methods section in these articles was the model of delivery or the intricacies of the setting of the MST.

Among the medical interventions (n = 2) in this group of publications, one described the utilization of a needs assessment in the planning process for their MST, but there was no description of the tool. 25 This represents the only publication in the entire group of 67 that explicitly mentioned employing this practice. This group also elected to focus on only 2 conditions (hypertension and parasite infection). Outcomes related to these goals are not available. One publication focusing on nonsurgical patients described the conditions observed and the interventions performed for these patients. 9 There are no outcomes associated with this publication. None of the publications relating to surgical care (n = 16) from this subgroup included outcomes beyond the perioperative period, and they failed to provide much information beyond descriptive statistics for specific MSTs.

Reporting outputs rather than outcomes appears to be the default approach for quantifying the value added to the communities and individuals served by MSTs. This criterion, however, falls short of the measures used to identify high-quality evidence-based medicine. In some cases, the included publications relied on personal judgments or anecdotes to support their conclusions. This weak form of evidence has the potential to overshadow some of the more promising work in this field. Most of the questions raised in the Results section are unanswered by the included publications, and more research is necessary to strengthen the evidence available. The assessment of process output data, without assessing the short-term or long-term impacts of MSTs, 82 precludes the ability to measure efficacy of interventions performed.

Aiming to assess the quality of the evidence in some cases justifies the use of a standardized hierarchical evaluation tool. For instance, the tool developed by the US Preventive Services Task Force classifies evidence on the basis of the employed study design, with randomized controlled trials representing the highest level of evidence. However, because of the emerging nature of this body of literature, distinctions based on study design have limited benefits. The assumption with that form of evaluation is that authors have unified research questions and are aiming to move up the hierarchy with their work. In the case of the wide-open nature of the MST literature, authors are not united in their research questions nor study designs to advance the scientific rigor of their efforts.

Students and Trainees as Volunteers

The motivations and expectations of MST volunteers may be as diverse as the trips in which they participate. The enormous number of available MSTs, their short-term nature, and the relatively low cost associated with travel makes MSTs a common choice to fulfill the desire for international experience among students and nonstudents alike.

Some disparities research argues that cultural competence plays a role in the quality of care provided to minority populations. 58 That assertion prompted academic medicine to encourage training in cultural competence. Some institutions utilize MSTs as a mechanism for cross-cultural training and integrate these programs into their medical education curriculum. The sample sizes and limited scope of the work regarding the relationship between MSTs and educational benefits limit conclusions at this point.

The answers and conclusions from a limited survey of pharmacy students participating in MSTs are largely unrevealing about the motivations and expectations of the students. They note that experiences on the trips have a positive impact on participants, but the brevity and close-ended form of the survey does not allow for an exploration into specifics about how they will put those positive experiences into action beyond possibly traveling on another trip. 57 The overwhelmingly positive responses among surveyed surgical trainees raises concerns about bias, particularly social desirability. 58

Students and trainees may elect to participate in MSTs for reasons similar to those of nonstudents, but their motivations also may include the desire to receive career and professional benefits. 53 There is a limited number of studies assessing the impact these trips have on the life trajectory of students, their participation in future mission-related activities, or the actual benefits of the social capital on their academic pursuits. Another gap exists in the literature regarding MST organizations and their view of the role they play in medical education process.

Education Through Partnerships

The term partnership should not imply reciprocity between providers from HICs and those from LMICs. The intention behind every partnership appears to be the education or training of surgeons and other providers in communities with limited access to specialty care. In some cases, these partnerships bring patients that local providers refer to HICs for treatment. One organization that sends children to the United States for care cites this as a far more expensive model, increasing costs 10-fold. 74 That contrast prompts most organizations to opt for traveling to countries to train local providers in operative techniques utilized in HICs. Evaluations of the outcomes of that training yield mixed results and seem to require an extended, possibly 15 years or more, presence and partnership to ensure quality.

Many partnerships also include the donation of materials and durable medical equipment. One publication notably reports the inclusion of biomedical engineers in their traveling teams as a way of managing donated equipment that often falls out of repair. 74 This addition is often absent from MSTs and has been the source of published concerns historically. 83

Faith Communities and MSTs

In the mid-1880s, to pursue their mission of caring for the soul, the mind, and the body, the Catholic Church began sending missionaries throughout the world, establishing churches, schools, and hospitals. 80 Such origins may lead to the assumption that faith is motivational for volunteers. Although the assumption may have validity, there is limited evidence for it in the published literature reviewed here. Surveys of medical service organizations reveal a higher proportion of faith-based activities than the 18% of publications included in this review. This is almost certainly a publication bias related to the absence of organizational motivation to publish findings in the medical literature.

The absence of informants describing religious reasons for participation raises some interesting questions about whether the majority culture of medical service is outside the faith-based community, if there is change in the comfort with discussing religion, or if this simply an anomaly among the groups that are participating in research. There is no known work comparing outcomes or the impact of faith-based MSTs versus secular efforts.

Creating and Implementing Evidence in MSTs

There is no shortage of opinions about the ideal framework for an MST, but there is a significant shortage of evidence to support any particular framework. 10 By developing or planning MSTs that include data collection in the mission, practitioners can begin to address some of the concerns and validate the practice or provide information about areas that need improvement.

Maki et al. attempted to address this gap by creating a tool for use by MSTs 5 ; however, for unknown reasons, this tool has not been widely implemented or its use has not been subsequently published. One possible explanation for the apparent lack of adoption of this tool could be that the dissemination of the instrument failed to reach the organizations that could put it into action. Another explanation could be that the organizations faced challenges with its implementation that reduced the return on investment for the process to an unfavorable level. Regardless of the reason, tools for organizations to evaluate their work remain a need.

Critics argue that because of the lack of research on structure, process, or outcomes, a fraction of the care provided as a part of MSTs in the developing world has any evidence base at all. 84 Implementing evidence faces significant challenges in this health care delivery model. First, it assumes that providers are aware of evidence-based practices and only treat patients that fall under the spectrum of populations covered by guidelines. Second, it assumes that providers will deliver medical care in a standardized manner including the provision of continuous or follow-up care by either the group or a local provider. Finally, it assumes that they will perform outcome analyses. By definition, MSTs do not typically deliver care under this model.

The primary goal for medical service organizations is health care delivery and these organizations do not commonly prioritize the collection and subsequent evaluation of data. 71 Delivering care without understanding the impact or the outcome of that care presents ethical challenges. 2 Long-term outcome measurement is difficult, but necessary. 49 The consensus for the ethical challenges of MSTs is that there should be no assumed ethical immunity solely based on the altruistic nature of these efforts. 2

Guidelines and Unintended Consequences in MSTs

In some cases, experts and workgroups are establishing guidelines and standards for humanitarian health care delivery. The dissemination and implementation of these standards again faces challenges related to the unregulated and uncoordinated nature of these activities. Chapin and Doocy expressed a concern about their finding that only 25% of respondents were aware of the World Health Organization Guidelines for Drug Donations. 59 Reflecting that absence of knowledge, 20% of the respondents reported that they did not leave their donations with qualified medical professionals or health organizations. Drug accountability may be tightening globally and the practice of leaving behind medications is receiving a growing level of scrutiny.

The ethical concerns raised by critics, such as Crump, DeCamp, and others, suggest a need for ethical standards that will guide the work toward measurable benefits in light of the inherent risks. 85–90 There is a need for objectives and long-term plans developed in coordination with recipient communities. 78

Outcomes Associated With MSTs

Bureaucrats, consumers, and researchers commonly measure the quality of health care on the basis of patient outcomes, defined according to recovery, restoration of function, and survival. 91 Morbidity and mortality associated with treatments are standard; however, changes in the quality of life resulting from medical interventions are rarely measured in this literature.

Although it is not safe to assume that health care providers are solely responsible for these outcomes, their actions play a role in the process and represent an opportunity for inquiry. Patient outcomes are the most concrete measure of quality, but they are among the least commonly described concepts in the MST literature. Outcomes in this literature may also refer to the impact on the volunteer, on the patient relative to the cost, and on the local health care providers.

Determining Outcomes and Success

The challenges of medical resource shortages come to bear in discussions of patient outcomes. Following patients or obtaining reports regarding the outcome of the interventions performed by MSTs after a team departs remains uncommon and requires intentional effort and resource allocation. 49 The challenges are inherent with the transient nature of the patient population and the distances traveled to seek care from service teams. Most teams do not have the ability or data to attest to their psychological, financial, or sociological impact.

The 13 studies that included a measurement of late outcomes all related to surgical interventions, and there seems to be no data regarding the late outcome of any intervention performed by a strictly medical team. In some cases, the best follow-up available is the vital status of patients, but a few of these publications do attempt to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention.

Focusing largely on fistulas and cleft palates, the bulk of the outcomes literature falls under the auspices of general or plastic surgery. A few of these reported outcomes are bad enough to raise serious concerns. Preconceived ideas about the risks and benefits of surgery have a sociocultural component, particularly in the context of plastic or reconstructive surgery. Patients and their families have beliefs about the origins of congenital conditions, concerns about the reconstructive procedures, and expectations for the outcomes of the intervention. Understanding the role of the MST to address the perceived origins of conditions in a culturally sensitive way may provide another opportunity to reduce the marginalization of the affected.

Cultural awareness is one of the most important parts of defining successful patient interactions and surgical interventions. Learning that parents fear the pain for their children more than other factors allows providers to concentrate on that aspect of the consultation to alleviate their fears. 29 Realizing that speech outcomes were the primary interest for patients allows surgeons to manage the expectations for each individual procedure. 29

Although the aesthetic changes resulting from this type of surgery may provide a dramatic background for fund-raising efforts, aesthetic outcomes, though important to the patients, were less significant than speech outcomes in their definition of success. 29 Speech assessments after cleft lip and palate surgeries were seldom completed and, when they are completed, may reveal unsatisfactory results. 49,63 Operative success in HICs does not stop with satisfactory aesthetics and MSTs should find creative ways to match that standard.

Although organizations aim to provide high-quality care, evaluating outcomes should be universally included in their activities. 70 Yeow et al. summarized the aims of surveyed organizations, and conducting research was considered by most to be a luxury only. 78 The combined results from publications included in the present systematic review report a total of 59 deaths in association with the care provided during MSTs. Simply assuming the care provided is safe and has minimal risks is no longer adequate for these activities.

Comparing Outcomes in Light of Expenses

Recent trends in global health evaluation employ cost-effectiveness analysis to compare interventions and their ability to address the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. These goals aim to increase access to high-quality cost-effective care in LMICs. Comparing the cost-effectiveness of interventions associated with MSTs assists with resource allocation decisions. Disability-adjusted life years serve as the unit of analysis for comparative purposes by accounting for the years of life lost because of disease or injury. These calculations have been widely utilized in public health and health economics.

Interpreting the cost per DALY of interventions introduces subjectivity when determining their cost-effectiveness, especially as they relate to MSTs. The World Bank established guidelines for these determinations in 1993, approximating $150 per DALY as the cutoff for determining cost-effectiveness. 45 Although the costs vary substantially, 3 publications in this review reported their interventions to be cost-effective even though one nearly doubles the World Bank cutoff. 18,45,67 There are limitations to this type of work, but it does represent a promising area for comparative evaluation of MSTs. The basic data necessary for these calculations should include diagnoses and treatments (already collected by most teams), costs for the hosts and volunteers for all treatment and follow-up activities, and a measure of the costs for patients including opportunity costs associated with missed income from work. Decisions about cost-effectiveness may translate to comparisons between trips within organizations or they could relate to comparisons of the costs to employee local providers rather than the standard MSTs. Both raise questions about sustainability, and the limited cost-effectiveness data for MSTs leaves these issues open for debate.

The diversity of terms associated with MST activities in the published literature increases the likelihood of underestimating the number of eligible articles. This review was limited to English-language publications, which may have created a selection bias if we consider the global nature of these activities. This review is also limited to the medical literature, which may exclude notable work in other fields of study.

Conclusions

The popularity of MSTs is increasing along with publications on the topic; however, nearly 95% of all publications lack any significant data collection and the outcomes from the interventions that do exist are not well understood. The MSTs that travel to LMICs are largely unregulated and often lack evaluative procedures. Unfortunately, because of the largely disorganized and diverse nature of these efforts, health care providers choosing to participate in these activities are largely left to their own impetus to participate in evaluative data collection and critical process or activity reviews. The vulnerable nature of the patient populations served by MSTs raises frequently discussed ethical concerns including the provision of care within the regular scope of practice of the provider 92 and the adoption of standards comparable to those of routine research with human participants. 2 The self-imposed standards for MSTs should also include basic critical reviews powered by data collection and evaluation.

Collecting data about the quality of care from patients served by MSTs is a challenge and only a few organizations have shown the initiative to publish the data they collect. Organizations may be evaluating their efforts for internal quality improvement, but the volunteer nature of these efforts and the absence of incentives for publication may mean that these results are not widely disseminated. If these reports do exist, their dissemination could benefit MST efforts in general by allowing others to learn from successes and failures of similar groups.

Evaluation of cost-effectiveness is relatively new to the MST arena. Relative comparisons to United Nations standards may be problematic and the value of these assessments may be limited to internal comparisons between trips for medical service organizations. The educational benefits and impact on cultural competency from these trips for students may represent a relatively easy area for objective evaluation in the future.

An emphasis on evaluation is warranted to improve the planning, implementation, and outcomes of MST investments. Furthermore, the limited number of publications describing rigorously evaluated MSTs may lead to the conclusion that the data do not exist and further support the historical criticisms of these activities.

Suggested Data Elements

There is a need for comprehensive data collection and outcome assessment to justify, quantify, and verify the impact of MSTs. Organizations and volunteers participating in MSTs should at minimum collect data related to patient demographics, the socioeconomic status of the patients including their household income and liabilities, the availability of regular care in the community, and the cost of delivering the care provided by the MST. Information regarding the outcome of the intervention performed by the MST is pivotal for decision-making and quality improvement.

Future research in the area of MSTs needs to focus on the development or implementation of materials or instruments capable of measuring the psychological, financial, and sociological benefits or costs of interventions in this setting. At this point, I am not aware of any validated and reliable instruments capable of this assessment.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Mary K. Zimmerman, PhD, Sarah Finocchario-Kessler, PhD, MPH, and Robert H. Lee, PhD, for reviewing the draft of the article and making helpful suggestions.

Human Participant Protection

No protocol approval was needed for this study as it is a review of previously published research.

Key benefits of travel medical insurance

• Travel medical insurance coverage
• Who needs medical travel insurance?

Choosing the right travel medical insurance

How to use travel medical insurance, is travel medical insurance right for your next trip, travel medical insurance: essential coverage for health and safety abroad.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• Travel medical insurance covers unexpected emergency medical expenses while traveling.
• Travelers off to foreign countries or remote areas should strongly consider travel medical insurance.
• If you have to use your travel medical insurance, keep all documents related to your treatment.

Of all the delights associated with travel to far-flung locales, getting sick or injured while away from home is low on the savvy traveler's list. Beyond gut-wrenching anxiety, seeking medical treatment in a foreign country can be exceedingly inconvenient and expensive.

The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance for the many things that could ail you while abroad is priceless. As options for travel-related insurance abound, it's essential to research, read the fine print, and act according to the specifics of your itinerary, pocketbook, and other needs.

Travel insurance reimburses you for any unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. On domestic trips, travel medical insurance usually take a backseat to your health insurance. However, when traveling to a foreign country, where your primary health insurance can't cover you, travel medical insurance takes the wheel. This can be especially helpful in countries with high medical care costs, such as Scandinavian countries.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Another benefit that often comes with travel medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance covers you for any costs to transport you to an adequately equipped medical center. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is often paired with repatriation insurance, which covers costs associated with returning your remains to your home country if the worst happens. 

These benefits are for worst-case scenarios, but they might be more necessary depending on the type of trips you take. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is helpful if you're planning on traveling to a remote location or if you're traveling on a cruise as sea to land evacuations can be costly. Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer non-medical evacuations as part of an adventure sports insurance package.

It's also worth mentioning that emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for international students studying in the US on a J Visa. 

Types of coverage offered by travel medical insurance

The exact terms of your coverage will vary depending on your insurer, but you can expect most travel medical insurance policies to offer the following coverages.

• Hospital room and board
• Inpatient/outpatient hospital services
• Prescription Drugs
• COVID-19 treatment
• Emergency room services
• Urgent care visits
• Local ambulance
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage (accident/sudden relief of pain)
• Medical care due to terrorist attack
• Emergency medical evacuation 
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Travel medical insurance and pre-existing conditions

Many travel insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions as long as certain conditions are met. For one, travelers need to purchase their travel insurance within a certain time frame from when they placed a deposit on their trip, usually two to three weeks. 

Additionally, travel insurance companies usually only cover stable medical conditions, which are conditions that don't need additional medical treatment, diagnosis, or medications.

Who needs travel medical insurance?

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Even if well-managed, preexisting conditions like diabetes or asthma can make a medical backup plan even more vital.

Having what you need to refill prescriptions or get other care if you get stuck somewhere other than home could be essential to your health and well-being. That's without counting all the accidents and illnesses that can hit us when away from home.

Individuals traveling for extended periods (more than six months) or engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing) should also consider a solid medical travel plan. Both scenarios increase the likelihood that medical attention, whether routine or emergency, could be needed.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip medical travel insurance . Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Like other types of insurance, medical travel insurance rates are calculated based on various factors. Failing to disclose a preexisting health condition could result in a lapse of coverage right when you need it, as insurers can cancel your policy if you withhold material information. So honesty is always the best policy.

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Making the right choice when shopping for travel medical insurance can mean the difference between a minor hiccup in your travels and a financial nightmare. 

When a travel insurance company comes up with a quote for your policy, they take a few factors into consideration, such as your age, your destination, and the duration of your trip. You should do the same when assessing a travel insurance company. 

For example, older travelers who are more susceptible to injury may benefit from travel medical insurance (though your premiums will be higher). If you're traveling for extended periods throughout one calendar year, you should look into an annual travel medical insurance plan . If you're engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing), you should seek a plan that includes coverage for injuries sustained in adventure sports.

Travel medical insurance isn't just for peace of mind. If you travel often enough, there's a good chance you'll eventually experience an incident where medical treatment is necessary.

Before you submit your claim, you should take some time to understand your policy. Your travel medical insurance is either primary (you can submit claims directly to your travel medical insurance provider) or secondary (you must first submit claims to your primary insurance provider). In the case of secondary travel medical insurance, a refusal notice from your primary insurance provider, even if it does not cover medical claims outside the US, is often required as evidence of protocol.

On that note, you should be sure to document every step of your medical treatment. You should keep any receipts for filled prescriptions, hospital bills, and anything else documenting your medical emergency.

As many people have found out the hard way, reading the fine print is vital. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you fall ill with a severe condition, including illnesses like COVID-19. 

Still on the fence about whether or not medical travel insurance is worth it ? It's worth noting that many travel insurance plans also include medical protections, so you can also protect against trip cancellations and other unexpected developments while obtaining travel medical insurance.

While short, domestic trips may not warrant travel medical insurance, it may be a good idea to insure longer, international trips. You should also consider travel medical insurance for trips to remote areas, where a medical evacuation may be expensive, and more physically tasking trips.

While shopping for travel medical insurance may not be fun, a little advance leg work can let you relax on your trip and give you peace of mind. After all, that is the point of a vacation. 

Medical travel insurance frequently asked questions

Trip insurance covers any unexpected financial losses while traveling, such as the cost of replacing lost luggage, trip interruptions, and unexpected medical expenses. Travel medical insurance just covers those medical expenses without the trip interruption or cancellation insurance.

Travel insurance companies usually offer adventure sports as add-on coverage or a separate plan entirely. You'll likely pay more for a policy with adventure sports coverage. 

Many travel medical insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses and treat it like any other illness. However, you should double-check your policy to ensure that is the case.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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How to Find Affordable Mission Trips

• Resource Library How to Find Affordable Mission Trips

God has called us to share the gospel with the world. He’s also called us to be good stewards of the resources He provides. Where those two important parts of the Christian life intersect, you find affordable mission trips. 

While many have chosen to follow God’s leading in career missions, others fulfill His mission with trips that don’t require a permanent move. But they still face the challenge of paying for those trips. That makes finding affordable mission trips all the more important.  

4 Questions When Planning Mission Trips

The best way to start identifying a mission trip that you can afford is to create a plan. For that, you’ll need to answer some important questions to help you make the right choice and experience an effective trip. So, as you research affordable mission trips, begin with these four questions:

Why do you want to go?

Whether you’re a veteran or a first-timer, this is probably the most important question you can ask yourself. You can find a reasonable mission trip, but you will never find purpose and meaning if you go with the wrong motives. So, spend time making sure you and God are on the same page before looking into mission trips you can afford.

Where do you want to go?

God may have already laid a certain people group on your heart, or a door could open that you weren’t expecting. Either way, it makes sense to find a location where people need your help and where you believe God will help you thrive spiritually.

When do you want to go?

This is another way of saying that you need to determine how long your trip should be. Honestly, all mission trips are not created equal. Some short-term mission trips last a week or two, while mid-term and long-term trips can last for months. And, as you might expect, longer trips require more financial investment. This is one of those cases where time really is money.

Who do you want to go with?

Thanks to the explosion of mission interest in recent years, you have plenty of options for a sending agency. And it’s important to find the right mission organization as part of your plan. 

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

Affordable Mission Trips

Again, you have a lot of choices when it comes to identifying a solid sending organization that can provide a mission trip you can afford. In the list below, we’ve highlighted six programs that have a track record of meaningful mission trips. Three of the groups specialize in medical missions, while the other three offer more general trips.

As mentioned, “affordable” can be a relative term depending on the length of your trip and the funds you have available. As a result, the numbers you might see in your research can vary greatly. So, weigh your options carefully and prayerfully.

Medical Mission Opportunities:

Global Health Outreach . The mission of Global Health Outreach (GHO) is to provide short-term medical mission trips that provide hope to people around the world. In 2023, GHO has scheduled 31 trips for medical professionals to different parts of the globe, including Central America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. 

One World Health . The goal of One World Health is to provide sustainable healthcare for underserved people groups. The mission trips that One World Health sponsors connect missionaries with its partners in nations like Nicaragua and Uganda and support the larger effort of providing permanent, site-based solutions.

Volunteer HQ . With years of experience, Volunteer HQ provides a number of missions experiences, including medical missions. These trips can fit several categories of medical professionals, depending on the level of one’s experience and field of specialty. Nations served include Peru, Nepal, Kenya, India, and Vietnam.

General Mission Opportunities:

Operation Mobilization . The year 2030 will be here before we know it. Operation Mobilization (OM) is working hard to reach its goal of seeing at least 25,000 new, healthy, and growing Christian communities established by that date. To that end, the organization sponsors short-term mission trips and college internships in the United States and overseas. Possible locations include Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. 

SIM . The roots of SIM can be traced to mission work in the Sudan more than a century ago. In fact, SIM originally stood for “Sudan Interior Mission.” Today, though, SIM carries the gospel around the world through many avenues, including social initiatives, media, Bible translation, education, and church planting. In terms of affordable mission trips and internships, SIM offers a wide array of experiences that can fit your timing and passion. 

Adventures in Missions . When it comes to affordable mission trips, Adventures in Mission (AIM) has a lot to offer. AIM provides both short-term and long-term trips and can serve both groups and individuals. The ministry even has options that allow you to customize your trip. One note: While the prices on the AIM site are lower than what you might see on other sites, be sure to consider any travel costs you might incur getting to your chosen site. 

One More Question to Ask

The four questions listed above are vital in creating your plan for an affordable mission trip. But there’s one more question that you might be asking yourself: How much to go? While it’s important to count the cost in terms of time and location, you still have to make sure that you have the funds to make it all happen.

When it comes to missions, debt is not your friend. In fact, the hopes and dreams of many missionaries have been dashed—or at least deferred—because of debt. As you start researching reasonable mission trips, don’t neglect your current financial situation. Instead, use it to create a budget for your trip that you can stick to.

If God is calling you to a missions experience—whether career, long-term, or short-term—He can and will provide the resources. So, pray for His guidance. He will never point you in the wrong direction.

Discover Medical Missions.

Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the  Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.

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