medical mission trips domestic

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Serve with World Medical Mission

World Medical Mission exists to address these needs by sending Christian medical and dental professionals on short-term trips to partnering mission hospitals and clinics around the world.

“ It's the most rewarding medicine you will have practiced in a long time.” Dr. Chuck Barrier Doctor of Internal Medicine

Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and other experts in the medical field follow in the footsteps of the Great Physician as they provide patient care in a resource-limited environment, relieve overwhelmed full-time hospital staff, and help educate the next generation of national healthcare workers in the country they are serving.

“It's the most rewarding medicine you will have practiced in a long time,” said Dr. Chuck Barrier. As an internal medicine doctor, he has served on multiple short-term trips to Cameroon and Kenya alongside his wife, Angela, who is a pediatric hospitalist.

Serving with World Medical Mission opens up extraordinary opportunities for Christian men and women willing to use their professional expertise in areas of great need.

Minister in Jesus' Name

“ There are lost people everywhere, but I have never felt it so evident until coming here.” Ayden Toleman Registered Nurse Memorial Christian Hospital, Bangladesh

As patients walk through the darkest times of their lives, World Medical Mission volunteers have the opportunity to pray and share the Gospel with them, ministering to their spiritual needs as they work to treat their physical ailments.

Relieve Weary Healthcare Workers

“ Having people visit us to help is a big relief, and we feel that we are not alone. We feel we have a shoulder to lean on.” Dr. Elijah Terer CEO AIC Litein Hospital, Kenya

Local doctors serving in our partner hospitals around the world are often overwhelmed, facing burnout due to high patient numbers and the severity of the medical conditions they see on a daily basis. All this often comes without periods of rest or time away for themselves. They are drained physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually, and they are in dire need of a break to recharge and refocus.

Help Train the Next Generation

“ I think that's the biggest reason I was there—not to teach just a few people, but to teach a few people who will then go and teach more people and continue spreading knowledge.” Dr. Janae Fry Emergency Medicine Resident Chogoria Hospital, Kenya

Medical and dental professionals who come to serve on short-term trips with World Medical Mission also play an important part in building up the future healthcare system of the country they visit. Skilled men and women can pull from their wealth of knowledge and experience in Western healthcare settings to share their expertise with those who will be caring for local patients long after they are gone.

The number of patients is overwhelming. Medical staff are exhausted. The needs are great.

World Medical Mission is looking for Christian medical and dental professionals like you to use the gifts and talents God has given you to expand his kingdom and fill these needs. Not only will you treat physical sickness and injuries, you will shine as a light for Jesus Christ and provide hope to people who are suffering.

World Medical Mission takes care of all the details for your short-term assignment, including orientation, travel schedules, economy airfare, visas, permits, housing, transportation, and more.

Apply today and use your God-given abilities in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other fields to serve the needs of those who are suffering around the world.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Post-Residency Program

Consider our program that funds Christian medical professionals who have been called to a career in medical missions.

Specialty Teams

Be part of a short-term volunteer team of Christian medical professionals who serve in specialized fields.

Biomedical Technology

Help ensure that partner mission hospitals have properly functioning equipment.

Ways to Give

Give to World Medical Mission

Support a Medical Professional

All volunteers are responsible for raising support to be used for expenses related to serving.

Donating Medical Equipment & Supplies

Give machinery and supplies to mission hospitals through World Medical Mission.

Prescription for Renewal

Connect with Christian medical professionals at our annual conference and explore service opportunities in mission hospitals around the globe.

International Health Forum

Our monthly webinars provide practical information for medical personnel and students who have an interest in global medicine and public health, disaster medicine, and related topics.

It only costs $6 to provide lesson books and a Bible for a boy or girl participating in this discipleship program by Samaritan’s Purse.

It only costs $10 to provide a Bible or Christian literature for a family in need through the Christmas catalog.

You are visiting the international website for Samaritan’s Purse, headquartered in the United States.

You also may be interested in visiting and giving through our affiliate sites:.

• Samaritan’s Purse Australia and New Zealand
• Samaritan’s Purse Canada
• Samaritan’s Purse Germany
• Samaritan’s Purse Korea
• Samaritan’s Purse United Kingdom

One Nurse At A Time

10 Best Medical Mission Trips 2023 & 2024: Make a Difference

Medical mission trips present a fantastic opportunity for individuals, particularly those in the healthcare sector, to utilize their skills and expertise for the betterment of the world. Even for those who aren’t healthcare professionals, there’s still a vast array of volunteering opportunities in developing nations.

This blog post will serve as a guide, highlighting 10 notable medical mission trips taking place in 2023 and 2024. We will delve into the various types of mission trips, and the advantages of being a volunteer, and provide insights on how you can select a trip that matches your interests and skills.

Exploring the Diversity of Medical Mission Trips

A medical mission trip is essentially a short-term volunteer program enabling you to extend healthcare services to those in need in underprivileged nations. These trips are orchestrated by various entities such as churches, hospitals, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The nature of these medical mission trips can be diverse. Some are aimed at providing essential healthcare services like vaccinations, treatment of common diseases, and wound care. In contrast, others are centered on more specialized care like surgeries, dental services, or mental healthcare.

Benefits of Volunteering

There are many benefits to volunteering on a medical mission trip. These benefits include:

• Making a difference in the world. Medical mission trips are a great way to use your skills and experience to help people in need. You can make a real difference in the lives of people who would not otherwise have access to healthcare.
• Gaining new skills and experience. These trips can be a great way to gain new skills and experience in the medical field. You will have the opportunity to work with experienced healthcare professionals and learn new techniques.
• Experiencing a new culture.  Medical mission trips are a great way to experience a new culture and learn about different ways of life. You will have the opportunity to meet new people and learn about their customs and traditions.
• Growing personally and spiritually. Healthcare mission trips can be a great way to grow personally and spiritually. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your own life and values, and you will learn about the importance of compassion and service.

How to Find the Right Mission Trip for You

There are a few things to consider when choosing a medical mission trip. These include:

• Your skills and experience. What are your skills and experience in the healthcare field? If you’re a doctor, you’ll need to find a trip that offers clinical opportunities. If you’re a nurse, you might be interested in a trip that focuses on providing basic medical care.
• Your interests.  What are your interests in the medical field? Are you interested in working with children, women, or the elderly? Are you interested in providing specialized care, such as surgery or dentistry?
• Your budget. Mission trips can vary in price. Some trips are very affordable, while others can be quite expensive.
• Your schedule.  How much time do you have to commit to a medical mission trip? Some trips are only a few days long, while others can last several weeks.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start your search for the right medical mission trip. There are a number of resources available to help you find a trip that’s right for you. You can search online, talk to your church or hospital, or contact an NGO that organizes these trips.

10 Best Medical Mission Trips 2023 & 2024

Here are 10 of the best medical mission trips in 2023 & 2024:

1. Project Medishare: Haiti

Project Medishare is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing healthcare services to the underserved population of Haiti. The organization conducts various medical mission trips, opening opportunities for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to volunteer their services.

You can participate in tasks ranging from basic healthcare provision to specialized care, depending on your expertise.

2. Global Brigades: Guatemala

Global Brigades organizes health, dental, and engineering brigades to serve in developing countries. For those interested in medical volunteer work, they offer numerous mission trips to Guatemala.

These trips are tailored for different healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff, and they focus on improving local healthcare infrastructure and providing necessary medical services.

3. AmeriCares: Kenya

AmeriCares, a global non-profit, extends medical care and relief services to needy populations worldwide. They coordinate a variety of mission trips to Kenya , allowing doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide vital healthcare services in underserved regions.

Their work often involves treating common illnesses, conducting health education, and improving local healthcare facilities.

4. Doctors Without Borders: Sierra Leone

Doctors Without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization renowned for providing healthcare assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Among their numerous programs, they organize medical mission trips to Sierra Leone, creating opportunities for healthcare professionals to provide critical care in a country still recovering from a prolonged civil war and an Ebola outbreak.

5. Children’s Heart Foundation: Honduras

The Children’s Heart Foundation is a non-profit that focuses on providing cardiac care to children in developing countries. They run several medical mission trips to Honduras.

These trips are ideal for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals specializing in cardiac care, as they will be directly involved in providing life-saving treatments to children with heart conditions.

6. Project Hope: Tanzania

Project Hope is another global non-profit that extends medical assistance to those in need. They organize a variety of mission trips to Tanzania , offering opportunities for healthcare professionals to volunteer their services.

The range of healthcare services provided during these trips depends on the needs of the communities served and the expertise of the volunteers.

7. Partners in Health: Peru

Partners in Health is a non-profit that focuses on providing medical services to people in need in developing countries. Their mission trips to Peru allow healthcare professionals to volunteer their services and provide much-needed healthcare to underserved communities.

8. Habitat for Humanity: Nepal

While known for building homes, Habitat for Humanity also organizes medical mission trips to Nepal. These trips provide volunteers with an opportunity to offer care to individuals in need while contributing to the construction and improvement of homes and community facilities.

9. Smile Train: Peru

Smile Train is a non-profit dedicated to providing cleft lip and palate surgery to children in developing countries. They organize medical mission trips to Peru, where healthcare professionals can volunteer to provide surgical services and other healthcare to children affected by cleft lip and palate conditions.

10. International Medical Corps: Rwanda

International Medical Corps is a global non-profit that provides to people in need in developing countries. They offer a range of mission trips to Rwanda, creating opportunities for healthcare professionals to volunteer their services in communities that lack sufficient healthcare infrastructure and resources.

Additional Tips

Planning and participating in a medical mission trip is a substantial commitment. Here are some additional tips to consider as you embark on this journey.

Commence Your Research Early

Medical mission trips are diverse and numerous. Starting your research early gives you ample time to identify a trip that aligns with your skills, interests, and schedule.

Evaluating multiple options will also allow you to find a mission trip that meets your budget and other personal needs.

Consult Your Doctor

If you have any health concerns, it’s essential to discuss them with your doctor before committing to a medical mission trip. Such trips often involve physically strenuous activities and exposure to different climates and environments, which may pose health risks.

Obtain Necessary Training

Depending on the nature of the medical mission trip, you might require specific training. For instance, if your trip involves surgical procedures, you may need certification in basic life support (BLS). Other specialized healthcare areas may also require additional training or certification. Be proactive in understanding and acquiring these prerequisites.

Prepare for Challenges

Embarking on a medical mission trip means stepping out of your comfort zone. Be ready for long working hours, limited resources, and encountering cultural differences. While these aspects can be challenging, they also offer profound opportunities for growth and learning.

Embrace Learning Opportunities

Medical mission trips provide a unique platform to learn from other healthcare professionals and the community you serve. Be open to absorbing new information and techniques, and respect the local customs and traditions. This openness to learning will not only enrich your professional skills but will also contribute significantly to your personal development.

How can I apply for these medical mission trips?

You can apply for these medical mission trips by visiting the respective organization’s website and filling out the application form. Make sure to submit all necessary documents and meet the application deadline.

What qualifications do I need to join a medical mission trip?

The qualifications vary depending on the specific mission trip. Generally, you should be a healthcare professional or a student in a healthcare-related field. Some trips may also accept non-medical volunteers.

What is the duration of these medical mission trips?

The duration of the medical mission trips can range from a few days to several months, depending on the specific program and the needs of the community being served.

Are these medical mission trips safe?

Yes, the safety of volunteers is a top priority for all of these programs. However, as with any travel, there are inherent risks. It’s important to follow all safety guidelines provided by the organization.

Do I need to speak the local language?

While knowing the local language can be beneficial, it is not always a requirement. Many mission trips provide translators. However, learning basic phrases can enhance your experience and interaction with the local community.

Can I earn continuing education credits (CECs) or units (CEUs) by participating in these trips?

Some medical mission trips offer the opportunity to earn CECs or CEUs. You should check with the specific program or your professional licensing board for more information.

Medical mission trips are a great way to make a difference in the world. They offer the opportunity to use your skills and experience to help people in need, gain new skills and experience in the medical field, experience a new culture, and grow personally and spiritually.

I believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference in the world. If you’re looking for a way to use your skills and experience to help others, I encourage you to consider volunteering on a medical mission trip. It’s a truly rewarding experience that can change your life.

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Find Your Mission

Medicalmissions.org is a 501(c)3 organization that connects medical volunteers and other volunteers with organizations sponsoring medical missions all over the world., about medicalmissions.org.

MedicalMissions.org is a 501(c)3 organization that connects medical volunteers and other volunteers with organizations sponsoring medical missions all over the world. Our services are 100 percent free for both medical volunteers who register and mission organizations posting their opportunities.

The goal of MedicalMissions.org is to connect healthcare providers with organizations sponsoring medical missions by offering a free, searchable database of health-related volunteer opportunities and medical mission trips. These include short and long-term medical volunteer opportunities, both domestic and international.

Quick Facts

MedicalMissions.org was founded in 2009. The site was redesigned and relaunched in 2015 by LocumTenens.com. Throughout its history, MedicalMissions.org has been

• Individuals from more than 217 countries use the site
• More than 4,200 medical professionals have registered
• More than 180 organizations have posted thousands of mission opportunities

Contact Information

MedicalMissions.org
 Alpharetta, GA 30009 USA [email protected]

Helping People Go and Make Disciples of All Nations

Dominican Republic

Trip Information

San Pedro de Macoris; Monte Plata; Santo Domingo

Typically Saturday to Saturday or Monday to Monday. Flexible.

Spring break, fall break, summer, all year.

Max group size of 40 (possibly larger)

Starting at $749 plus airfare (cost details)

Local church partnership; Medical clinics.

The Dominican Republic is situated on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. Hispaniola is the second largest island in the Caribbean behind Cuba. Home to 10 million residents, the Dominican Republic shares the island with Haiti to the West. While the Dominican Republic has seen growth in recent history due to a boom in the tourism industry, 50% of the rural population are still considered to be living in extreme poverty, and many others are on the poverty line as well. Servant Life is excited to bring hope to these impoverished communities by shining the light of Christ and sharing the hope of the gospel.

We partner  with a Dominican-led ministry organization focused on sustainable community development work in the impoverished regions of the Dominican Republic. Their vision is to “transform the marginalized and vulnerable communities with the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,”which is accomplished through local church partnerships. Medical teams will work in conjunction with churches to host free medical clinics (often in public schools) to serve the poor, needy, and marginalized— or anyone who needs medical attention. Our goal is not only to help meet physical needs, but to show the love of Christ in our actions and share the love of Christ through our words. The clinics are hosted in partnership with the local church, and will have an emphasis on reaching non-Christian patients. This is an important part of long-term missional strategy as these clinics help establish the church as a light in the community and a source of hope and love.

What will my team be doing?  

Your team will generally be serving in one region, but could be hosting clinics at a different site each day. Clinics are often hosted in public schools and are put on by the local church we are partnering with. The church will do the work of advertising for the clinic and inviting the community to attend; your role will be to host clinics by providing the medical expertise to see patients, help diagnose and treat their ailments, and show them the love of Christ. Many clinics are run in three main phases: intake (learning why the patient is there and their medical history); visit with the doctor; and a stop by the "pharmacy" on the way out. Many medical teams will want to pray over participants in each of these phases, not only praying for their medical needs, but praying for their spiritual needs and incorporating the truth of the gospel in their prayers. There are also roles for non-medical participants to be helping with the clinics, or if your team is large enough, your non-medical group could be at a separate ministry site doing things like VBS, evangelism, outreach, and light construction.

What does a general weekly schedule look like?

Saturday. Travel day. Arrive and get settled in.

Sunday. Attend local church worship service; prep time for the week ahead. 

Monday - Thursday.  Ministry days: medical clinics.

Friday.  Cultural day or ministry day. Visit the market, go to the beach, enjoy the city. For an additional cost, your group can take a day trip to Catalina Island, or spend the night at a resort, or possibly arrange a day pass to a resort.

Saturday.  Travel day. Depart for home.

What does my cost include?

In-country transportation. From the moment you land at the airport until the moment you leave, we will take you everywhere during the week.

Housing. Your team will sleep in hotel style accommodations (generally two or three twin beds per room) with a private bathroom.

Meals.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, every day! (Note: You need to pay for your own meals at the airport, while traveling, etc.)

Supplemental Traveler's Insurance. In the event of a medical emergency, you'll be covered with an international policy! (Note: There may be an additional charge, normally around $25, for each person over the age of 50 to cover the increased cost of an insurance policy).

T-Shirt.   Every participant gets an awesome mission trip t-shirt.

Pre-Trip Training Material. We provide training sessions, trip overview documents, assistance from our team of mission trip experts, and communication with in-country missionaries to make sure your group is fully prepared for your trip.

Pre, During, and Post-trip Devotionals.   This 4-week printed missions journal will help every team member grow and encounter Christ.  

Note:  The cost of medicine to be distributed at clinics is NOT included in the trip cost, and is an additional expense that you will be responsible for. The reason for this is that the cost of medicine can vary greatly depending on how large your medical team is and how many patients you plan to see over the course of the week. Generally the medicine is acquired in the U.S. and taken safely and legally into the D.R. by securing a letter from Customs before you travel (which we will do for you). You might even be able to have medicine donated or purchased at a significantly reduced rate.

Airfare is not included in the trip cost, but will be taken care of by Servant Life's travel agent who gets humanitarian rates and often free baggage. You may book on your own if you prefer to do so, but we ask to approve the itinerary first.

GO Missions Trips 2024

We are excited to announce multiple missions trips in 2024!

Time & Location

Apr 09, 2024, 12:00 PM EDT – Nov 09, 2024, 12:00 PM EST

About the event

We are excited to announce that there will be multiple missions trip opportunities in 2024! Our goal is to take the Great Commission to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the world. Each trip will accomplish this in some way! You will find dates, cost, and what each trip will be accomplishing on the Managed Missions website. If you have any questions, please send an email to cwhittle@mygochurch.com

SIGN UP FOR A MISSIONS TRIP BY CLICKING HERE

International & Domestic Mission Trips taking place in 2024: 

1. Belize City, Belize

• Dates: May 16th-22nd
• Cost: $1,800 *depends on airfare* 
• Serve Opportunity: This team will help bring You GO Girl Week One, to the country of Belize. This will be the third year of YGG Belize. There will be other opportunities to impact the surrounding community as well.

2. MOCO Campus

• Dates: June or July *waiting on MOCO school system* 
• Cost: $700 
• Serve Opportunity: Serving the local school system in Montgomery County, Maryland.
• Sign ups will open when date is finalized.

Share this event

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Oakland - Residents & Alumni

Otolaryngology oakland, 2023 – 2024 otolaryngology residents.

Nik Block-Wheeler, MD Chief Resident

Kensington, CA

Undergraduate

New York University

Medical School

University of California, San Francisco

Running, baking, gardening, dog walking, woodworking, making toast

Favorite thing about Bay Area/Oakland

Inclusivity and funky vibes

Favorite thing about Kaiser Permanente/residency

Superb training with outstanding personal and professional support

Peter Debbaneh, MD Chief Resident

Anaheim, CA

Tulane University

Spending time w friends and family, Playing guitar, watching Star Wars, surfing.

So many activities and amazing culture

Both the excellent clinical and surgical experience, as well as the camaraderie between residents and attendings.

Elias Saba, MD PGY4

San Jose, CA

Mayo Clinic

Electric guitar, finding great restaurants, visiting bookstores, and skiing

Amazing food, culture, innovation. And a great place to spend summer in the sun and winter on the slopes.

The relationship between the residents and attendings. I have not seen another program in which the attendings are so dedicated not only to our surgical training but also to our personal and professional development. I am also a huge fan of my co-resident Jacob

Jacob Hoerter, MD PGY4

Louisville, KY

Bellarmine University

University of Louisville

Cooking, camping, home remodeling, board games, video games, fishing, skiing, my dachshunds

Incredible weather and beautiful day trips

Healthy and encouraging environment that encourages graduated autonomy where the only limit is your own potential.

Samuel Collazo, MD PGY3

Bayamon, Puerto Rico

University of Puerto Rico

University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine

Table Tennis, Running, Snorkeling

Variety of restaurants!

It's a tight-knit program that provides quality training in all areas of Otolaryngology and provides ample opportunities for research as well as medical mission trips!

Pauline Huynh, MD PGY3

Fountain Valley, CA

University of Southern California

Johns Hopkins University

Petting every dog I see, board games

The culture. I found KP to be a very "fuzzy" program with a lot of support, role models, and folks with a sense of humor similar to my own.

Bryan Le, MD PGY2

University of California, San Diego

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Basketball, Volleyball, Hiking with my dog

Favorite Thing About Bay Area/Oakland

The food, amazing weather, and being in close proximity to family.

Favorite Thing About Kaiser Permanente/Residency

The strong camaraderie amongst the residents and attendings. The support, collegiality, and culture of the program is unlike any other and create an environment that is optimal for personal and professional development.

Ketan Jain-Poster, MD PGY2

St. Louis, Missouri

Stanford University

Northwestern University

Fresh fruit, sci-fi, espresso, reggaeton, day trips, dumplings, YouTube cooking videos, board games that aren’t too complex

Being 10 minutes away from mountains, beaches, a major metropolitan city, and good boba!

The opportunity to be transformed into an excellent surgeon and caretaker through early autonomy and immersive clinical experiences from the very beginning of residency amongst a close-knit group of doctors.

Nicholas Del Mundo, MD PGY1

Bakersfield, California

University of San Diego

California University of Science and Medicine

Cooking, snowboarding, pickleball, fantasy football, hanging out with my cat and dog

Favorite thing about the Bay Area

Being close to friends and family! The great variety of food is also a big plus!

Favorite thing about Kaiser Residency

Supportive co-residents and faculty that have my back!

Henry Zheng, MD PGY1

Phoenix, Arizona

Princeton University

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine - Arizona

Movies, reading, exploring new coffee shops and bars, trying new restaurants, hiking

Best weather in the country, beautiful nature, diverse population, great food scene, walkability

Favorite thing about Oakland

Autonomy from day one, close knit residents, approachable faculty, and they feed us well!

What Our Alumni Are Saying

It’s been such a joy knowing that I can skillfully help any patient who walks into my office. This is a gift from the dozens of mentoring attendings and thousands of patients seen in the clinic. I garnered surgical confidence through countless hours of one-on-one surgical mentorship. And I appreciate the lasting connections; any day, any time, I can call on one of many attendings for words of wisdom.

My residency at KP allowed me to experience early autonomy which helped me to establish good habits and a sense of personal responsibility to patients. The high case volume and lack of fellows make for outstanding surgical training. All the faculty push the residents to be independent and competent surgeons at every level of training. What sets Kaiser Permanente apart is the sense of family. This program has a strong history of alumni and retired faculty that continue to maintain strong connections to the program which is a testament to that. My favorite memories from residency were going on mission trips which were truly life-changing experiences. Almost every resident goes on at least one and it is an experience not to be missed.

The Kaiser Permanente otolaryngology residency instilled in me the core values of a successful surgeon by those who led by example. My attendings in residency emphasized the importance of a surgeon who not only had excellent technical skills and astute clinical knowledge, but were also able to provide compassionate care to each patient they encountered. I am grateful for the connections that I made throughout residency having met lifelong friends and mentors that I can now call upon both professionally and personally.

My clinical and operative experience at Kaiser Permanente was outstanding.  Equally important, it was comprehensive, getting exposure to all aspects of Otolaryngology.  I truly felt there was no weakness in any areas upon graduating.  What’s unique about the Kaiser system and specifically this residency program, is the robust pipeline of referrals and access to millions of patients who need help.  Combine that with a supportive faculty that is resident oriented, and you have one of the best training programs in the nation.

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to train at Kaiser Permanente Oakland as well as a profound sense of gratitude to the many people there who contributed to my development as a physician and surgeon. I benefited greatly from the flexibility built into the rotation schedule which allowed me to receive both superb general ENT training and extra exposure to head and neck oncology which really prepared me for fellowship. I consider the five years I spent at Kaiser Oakland to have been one of the most productive and enjoyable periods of my life and would highly recommend the program to any medical student regardless of long term career goals.

My training at Kaiser Permanente was a springboard for my academic career. It instilled in me the value of mentorship, innovation and research as a component of patient care, and the importance of lifelong learning.  Most importantly, the outstanding operative experience served as the foundation to my success in fellowship and as an academic surgeon.

Our Recent Program Alumni

2024 [scheduled].

Nikolas Block-Wheeler, MD Medical School: University of California, San Francisco Fellowship: Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Washington

Peter Debbaneh, MD Medical School: Tulane University Fellowship: Head & Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction, Oregon Health & Science University

Ghedak Ansari, MD Medical School: Howard University Fellowship: Pediatric Otolaryngology, Harvard-Boston Children’s Hospital

Caitlin Pacheco, MD Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Fellowship: Laryngology, The Ohio State University

David Chou, MD Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University Fellowship: Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, Mount Sinai – New York City, New York Current Position: Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Camille Huwyler, MD Medical School: Case Western Reserve University Current Position: Dignity Health Medical Foundation – Woodland and Davis, CA

Rijul Kshirsagar, MD Medical School: University of California – Irvine Fellowship: Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery, University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA Current Position: Current position: Kaiser Permanente – Redwood City

Christopher Xiao, MD Medical School: Boston University Current Position: Santa Cruz Ear, Nose and Throat Medical Group

Steven Micucci, MD Medical School: Tufts University Current Position: Atrius Health and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary – Boston MA

Barcleigh Landau, MD Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine Current Position: Shannon Clinic – San Angelo, TX

Jonathan Lin, MD Medical School: University of California – Irvine Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – Santa Clara, CA

Farzad Masroor, MD Medical School: Medical College of Georgia Fellowship: Head & Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction, University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, PA Current Position: Greater Baltimore Medical Center – Baltimore, MD

Lucas Harless, MD Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – San Rafael, CA

Alexander Rivero, MD Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – Oakland, CA

Jason Gilde, MD Medical School: University of Southern California Fellowship: Head & Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction, Loma Linda University Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – Vacaville/Vallejo, CA

Brian Song, MD Medical School: Chicago Medical School Fellowship: Rhinology and Skullbase Surgery, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – San Leandro, CA

Sonia Chen, MD Medical School: University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – Walnut Creek, CA

Tara Song, MD Medical School: University of Vermont Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – Southern California

Stephanie Austin, MD Medical School: Drexel University Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – San Rafael, CA

Mika Sumiyoshi, MD Medical School: Tufts University Fellowship: Pediatric Otolaryngology, UC Davis Medical Center, CA Current Position: Anacapa Surgical Associates – Ventura, CA

Tyler Macy, MD Medical School: University of Southern California Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – Redwood City, CA

Christopher Tang, MD Medical School: University of California, Los Angeles Fellowship: Laryngology, St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – San Francisco, CA

Jennifer Do Medical School: St. Louis University School of Medicine Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – Southern California

Ethan Handler Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin Fellowship: Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, Inland Cosmetic Surgery Center, Rancho Cucamonga, CA Current Position: Advanced Ear Nose and Throat Specialists – Wauwatosa, WI

Shivan Amin, MD Medical School: Medical College of Georgia Fellowship: Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, Emory Medical College, Atlanta, GA Current Position: DeKalb Medical Physicians Group, Atlanta ENT Associates

Stephen Tornabene, MD Medical School: University of California, San Diego Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – Vacaville, CA

Luke Schloegel, MD Medical School: St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO Fellowship: Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC Current Position: Kaiser Permanente – Oakland, CA

Nathan Boyd, MD Medical School: University of New Mexico Fellowship: Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction, University of Iowa Current Position: University of New Mexico

More Information

For more information regarding our program, please contact:

Antoinette Niblett

[email protected]

• (970) 635-0110

Medical Mission Trips for Student Groups

Medical mission trips for student groups with International Medical Relief help medical students, nursing students, dental students, and more develop a better understanding of global healthcare, a more focused approach to their studies, and an edge in their contributions to the classroom environment.

International Medical Relief partners with universities to offer intensive short-term (typically 4-14 days), study abroad programs in the form of medical mission trips designed to meet the needs of schools and students alike. These programs give you the advantage of being able to offer a unique, comprehensive learning opportunity for students with little effort on the part of your school.

Through IMR, student groups from your school gain hands-on experience and knowledge in the field under the guidance of experienced medical providers from the U.S. and around the world. A tailored combination of mentoring, observation, and patient interaction will give students a unique insight into the rewards and demands of a medical career.

There are many organizations that offer short-term study abroad programs and medical mission trips, but few offer students the comprehensive, daily hands-on opportunities that IMR does. Students will have the chance to directly shadow medical providers, become proficient with basic medical skills, teach community health education, and gather surveillance data important in public health while interacting with patients from a variety of cultures.

Options include:

• Focusing on a specific health science major or allowing enrollment across all fields of study
• Having your faculty members lead the program or choosing to have your group supported by our knowledgeable on-site team.

We also customize our programs to meet the needs of the individual schools that we work with by creating goals to match your objectives. Sample programs include:

Public Health

Rotations and Experience

IMR clinics provide an expansive scope of patient caseloads, including pediatrics, gynecology, maternity, geriatrics, skilled nursing, mental health, physical therapy, pharmacy, public health, nutrition, urgent care, public health, nutrition, wound care, orthopedics, surgical care, urgent care, acute care, and dental care.

Outcomes and Goals for Professional Students:

Outcomes and goals for undergraduate students:, learning opportunities, trip expenses.

Take the hassle out of student group travel. When your group participates in a medical mission trip with IMR, all per-person trip donations for each traveler’s mission cost includes:

• Local, in-country transportation to and from the clinic location
• Accommodations
• Costs associated with the clinic
• All logistics, including translation services and security as needed

Students and accompanying faculty are responsible for:

• International and domestic flights to the country
• Passport fees, visa fees, and transit fees, including baggage or overnight accommodations/meals while in transit
• Required or recommended insurance
• Vaccinations and medications common for travel
• Spending money for souvenirs and personal purchases
• Any lodging, meals, and transportation outside of the scheduled mission, payable at the time of service to the local vendor

IMR staff members are ready to help customize an opportunity that meets your university’s needs. Let us know how we can help you with this amazing study abroad experience for your students. Group leaders, recruit 10 or group members and you get to travel for half price!

To learn more about group travel with IMR, please contact Karla Prentiss at 970.635.0110 or email [email protected] .

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!

• [email protected]
• 1151 Eagle Drive Suite 457 Loveland, CO. 80537

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Who Can Volunteer?

• Medical Providers
• Dental Professionals
• Non-Medical Volunteers
• Professional Students
• Pharmacists
• EMS Personnel
• Interpreters
• Complementary Medicine Professionals
• Surgical Teams
• Ophthalmologists & Optometrists

Volunteer Resources

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California Missions

United states pilgrimage, mass at the cathedral of saint mary of the assumption & san francisco area.

*Airfare can be arranged for groups*

*Request a Special Group Price for any date (minimum 15)*

Spiritual Leader:

Group coordinator helen zec, san francisco · sonoma county · mission san juan bautista · carmel by the sea · mission san luis obispo · old mission santa barbara · los angeles · cathedral of our lady of the angels · hollywood · garden grove · san juan capistrano · mission san luis rey · san diego · mission basilica san diego de alcala.

Maximum 15 - 23 Pilgrims Per Tour

Rome (Pope Francis) · Montecassino · San Giovanni Rotondo (St. Padre Pio) · Monte Sant’ Angel (View incorrupt body of St. Padre Pio) · Lanciano (Eucharistic Miracle) · Loreto (Holy House) · Assisi (St. Francis) · Gubbio · La Verna

• What's Included
• Day-by-Day Itinerary
• Dates & Prices
• Destination Information

Begin your 9-day Pilgrimage to California Missions in San Francisco, with a visit to the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi which was built for Catholic gold rush settlers in 1849, before the city of California was even a State! Continue to incredible missions like the Mission of San Juan Bautista, the Old Mission of Santa Barbara, Mission San Luis Rey, and incredible churches like Saint Mary of the Assumption, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, and the Crystal Cathedral. Along your west coast Pilgrimage, visit vineyards, beaches, and even Hollywood. Learn about California's Catholic roots on this unique American Pilgrimage!

Any Questions?  Contact:

Why travel with 206 tours, additional information, view printable flyer.

Your trip includes

• Round-trip airfare from your local airport    * or book without airfare (land only option)
• Airport taxes & fuel surcharges
• Hotel accommodations (or similar) in double occupancy ~ 2 nights: Hyatt Place Fremont (San Francisco Outskirt) ~ 1 night: The Kinney, San Luis Obispo ~ 3 nights: Courtyard by Marriott Hawthorne (Los Angeles Outskirt) ~ 2 nights: Best Western Seven Seas, San Diego
• Transfers as per itinerary
• Base Price: 2 Travellers in 1 Room: Queen or King Bed or 2 Twin beds
• Optional - Additional Cost: ◦ Single Room : No Roomate $1,399.00 (USD) ◦ Triple Room : Upon Request

• Breakfast and Dinner daily
• Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
• Assistance of a professional local Catholic guide(s)
• Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
• Mass daily & Spiritual activities
• Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
• Tips for Hotels and restaurants
• Flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents

Centrally located hotels or similar

Hyatt Place Fremont

Courtyard by Marriott Hawthorne

Best Western Seven Seas

Not included.

• Airline Luggage Fees, Lunches, Beverages not mentioned and Tips to your guide & driver.
• Airfare from your hometown

Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver - allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime - up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Day 1: Arrive San Francisco

Upon arrival, meet your tour escort for your transfer to the hotel for check in. Enjoy some free time, before we embark on our panoramic city sightseeing tour including the Civic Center, Opera House, Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Park, Japanese Tea Garden and the Presidio. We will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption. The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption is the principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco, the existing Cathedral is the third bearing this name. The first still stands and is now known as Old St. Mary's and the second was destroyed by fire in 1962. After Mass, we will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: San Francisco - Sonoma County - San Francisco

Following a full breakfast at the hotel, we will proceed to La Porziuncola Nuova, a scaled replica of Saint Francis's Porziuncola in Assisi, Italy, was dedicated in San Francisco on September 27, 2008 by Cardinal William J. Levada, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Porziuncola means "small portion of land" and refers to the Benedictine chapel Saint Francis restored when he was a young man. Next, the famed Sonoma Wine Region and Marin County area by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. We will visit the Mission San Francisco Solano, which is nestled in the wine country 40 miles north of San Francisco and across from the site of the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846. We will celebrate Mass at Mission San Francisco Solano and enjoy some free time for prayer and reflection. We then return to San Francisco for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Mission San Juan Bautista - Carmel by the Sea -Mission San Luis Obispo

After breakfast, we will celebrate Mass at National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi. It is here that the relics of Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and Saint Anthony of Padua are contained. Following Mass, depart San Francisco for visit of Mission San Juan Bautista also known as "Mission of Music." While here we will view the only remaining original Spanish Plaza, surrounded by 30 buildings including the original adobe manjerio (nunnery). Next, we will enjoy drive to Carmel by the Sea and stop for tour of Folktale Winery and Vineyards which will include tasting of six wines. We continue with a visit of San Carlos Borromeo Mission in Carmel, where St. Junipero Serra is entombed beneath the sanctuary of this church. We end the day in San Luis Obispo where we will have dinner and retire for the evening.

Day 4: Mission San Luis Obispo - Old Mission Santa Barbara - Los Angeles

After breakfast, we will start our day with a guided tour of the beautiful church, gardens, school and museum that holds a collection of its artifacts at San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Mission. We will have lunch en route to Santa Barbara, a spectacular Southern California coastal community. In Santa Barbara, we will participate in a private guided tour of Old Mission Santa Barbara and celebrate Mass. Mission Santa Barbara's namesake comes from the story of Saint Barbara, a girl who was beheaded by her father for following the Christian Faith. We will continue on to Los Angeles for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and Hollywood

After full breakfast at hotel we will celebrate Mass and partake in a private tour at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The Cathedral is widely known for enshrining the relics of Saint Vibiana and piece of the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Continue with the tour of Beverly Hills and Hollywood, including TLC Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame, Avenue of the Stars, Sunset and Wilshire Boulevards. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 6: Los Angeles - Garden Grove - Los Angeles

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to Garden Grove/ Orange County for visit and Mass celebration at Christ Cathedral (the former Crystal Cathedral) which is now the home of the diocese. We will be touring its stunning facade and the magnificent gardens that surround it. Continue on to visit the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. The way of life of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles is rooted in the Gospel, and in the Carmelite spirituality of St. Teresa of Avila. "Carmel" means enclosed garden in which God Himself dwells. The divine indwelling in the soul is the foundation of Teresa's doctrine. Then visit the Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana. We will conclude the evening with dinner and overnight. *Due to an unfortunate fire that took place at the Mission of St. Gabriel Archangel, pilgrims will not have the opportunity to enter this site.

Day 7: San Juan Capistrano - Mission San Luis Rey - San Diego

Following breakfast at hotel, depart Los Angeles for San Juan Capistrano. Welcome to the "Jewel of the Missions"! Enjoy lunch, on your own, at a local restaurant and stop for some relaxation time at Dana Point. Continue to Oceanside and celebrate Mass at Mission San Luis Rey, also known as the "King of the Missions." This mission is named for St. Louis who led the crusades to regain the Holy Land for Christ. Next, we will make our way to San Diego for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

Today, after breakfast, we will explore San Diego. We will drive through Mission Bay Park and see Balboa Park. Celebrate Mass at Mission San Diego de Alcala, the "Mother of the California Missions". This afternoon, enjoy some free time to relax, pray or explore San Diego. Tonight, we enjoy our last night with a farewell dinner at local restaurant.

Day 9: Return back home

With a renewed sense of pilgrimage and an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, we bid farewell to our fellow pilgrims. Transfer to the airport for your return flight(s) home.

Special Clergy Discount

Discount is offered to ordained clergy in the Roman Catholic Church: deacons, priests, or bishops belonging to the diaconate, the presbyterate, or the episcopate, respectively as well, as Catholic Sisters.

Know Before You Go

Terms & Conditions

Accessibility

Printable Information

Book your trip now

$400 Deposit is due at the time of Registration

Select airport

Options & Upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Single Supplement / Private Room Upon Request

Business Class (One-Way) Upon Request

Business Class (Round-Trip) Upon Request

Upgrade to Catergory BB Room

Post stay - overnight hotel & breakfast, would like to stop over in europe.

Let us know at time of registration, we will reschedule your airline reservations pending availability at no additional fee (these options will be available to you when you register online). Let us know if you need assistance with pre or post stay at hotel. Simply Contact 206 Tours:   800-206-TOUR (8687)  or  [email protected]

Options and upgrades

Pre stay - overnight hotel & breakfast, earn a free trip.

For groups of 20 or more, you may choose your own departure and earn FREE trips.

Would you like to arrive earlier or stay later?

Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will change your airline reservations accordingly, at no additional cost. Pre- and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us: [email protected]

About your trip

• San Francisco
• Sonoma County
• Mission San Juan Bautista
• Carmel by the Sea
• Mission San Luis Obispo
• Old Mission Santa Barbara
• Los Angeles
• Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
• Garden Grove
• San Juan Capistrano
• Mission San Luis Rey
• Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

About Rome:

Travel along the West Coast for a Californian Pilgrimage to Catholic sites! Learn about setters who brought Catholicism to the West. Visit cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and see the beautiful churches they have to offer. In Garden Grove, see the breathtaking Crystal Cathedral which was referred to as the tallest glass building in the world in 1981. In Los Angeles, visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels which is the seat of Archbishop Jose Horacio Gomez and currently serves an estimate 5 million Parishioners! See California like it's never been seen before - through the lens of a Catholic Pilgrim!

We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us, please note should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact in your destination country or the 206 Tours.

1-800-206-Tour (8687)   |    [email protected]

Any questions?  Contact:

Sales Manager

• 1(800)-206-8687
• [email protected]

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.

**Enrollment required.

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Located in Berryessa Corners Shopping Center

Meet The Top Optometrist in San Jose and Milpitas

At Berryessa Optometry in San Jose, our optometrist is focused on the big picture. Your vision health does not exist in a vacuum, and our eye doctor makes sure to carefully review your medical history before conducting an eye exam. Our practice also places significant emphasis on keeping up with the latest technological developments in the optometry industry to ensure that your visit is as effective as possible.

Dr. Hung D. Mac

Doctor Hung D. Mac attended San Jose State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Art degree in Biochemistry in 2000. In 2004, he earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry.

He received Cum Laude honors at both insitutions. Dr. Mac then completed a prestigious Residency in Cornea and Contact Lens at the Southern California College of Optometry, which involved specialty contact lens fitting and management of complex cases, including keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, corneal refractive therapy (CRT), pediatrics and ocular prosthetics.

During his residency, Doctor Mac thoroughly enjoyed serving as a clinical instructor to the optometric interns. His clinical experience, as well as the patients he cared for, has inspired him to continue corneal management and specialty contact lens fitting.

During his free time, Doctor Mac enjoys traveling and spending time with family. His internships and medical mission trips have brought him to El Salvador, Salt Lake City and into a rural Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona. He plans to continue participating in medical mission trips to South Africa and his birth country, Vietnam.

Doctor Mac  is a member of the California Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, Santa Clara County Optometric Society, and Beta Sigma Kappa Honors Fraternity.

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• Phone: 408-272-7200
• Fax: 408-272-3310
• Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Tuesday: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Friday and Saturday: Early appts available on request

We are a proud distributor of Maui Jim: "The Sun will Guide Us"

• Preferred Date/Time *
• New patient
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• Best Time to be Reached for Confirmation * Hours : Minutes   AM PM AM/PM
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

We are excited to welcome you back into our office!

We are currently open by appointment only  for all services  to reduce the number of people in the office. Please contact our office to get our soonest availability for an exam.

Due to COVID-19, we are taking precautions to ensure your safety and well being, as it remains our highest priority. Our staff is diligently adhering to CDC guidelines and other healthcare recommendations and required protocols.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Hung D. Mac, OD & Staff

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6 Best Medical Mission Trips for College Students

• Resource Library 6 Best Medical Mission Trips for College Students

Most believers are familiar with Jesus's command to share the gospel around the world. And for many Christian college students, mission trips have been a part of their spiritual upbringing and experience. But for those interested in global health care, medical mission trips for college students provide a variety of benefits.

For example, medical mission trips can give college students valuable on-the-job training. Regardless of their specialty—medicine, pharmacology, nutrition, nursing, and so forth—medical mission trips give college students the opportunity to work with professionals in the field and to get a feel for what their future might hold. Whether traveling as a team or as an individual, medical mission trips for college students can be valuable.

But even if a student is on the fence about pursuing a career in health care, medical mission trips can be great for volunteers. In general, this generation longs to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and a medical mission trip fits that bill perfectly. Whether they seek a clinical setting or have more interest in education or prevention, many students can find value in medical mission trips for college students. 

Discovering Medical Mission Trips for College Students

Whatever their interest in terms of medical mission trips, college students need to do their research. The sheer number of sending partners and the opportunities provided by those partners require some careful study. You will want to find the best fit in terms of location, duration, cost, and specialty.

Each mission trip has its own requirements and standards. Each type is different in many ways—of course, there are many types of missions and mission focuses. Here are six ways to get involved in medical mission trips for college students:

1. With Your Christian College or University.  One of the best places to start in a search for a medical mission trip as a college student is to see what's available close to home. Most Christian colleges provide opportunities for short-term mission trips, including some that could provide college credit. Some of those options include medical mission trips for their students. For example, Lipscomb University and Liberty University offer medical mission trips for their students.

2. As a marketplace worker .  You don't have to choose between work and missions. Finding marketplace medical mission trips  is easier than you think. These could suit your missional and professional aspirations! In fact, many Christian professionals are taking their jobs overseas, and while these folks may not be raising funds, they are very much on a mission. Healthcare is one of the greatest global avenues of need, making your skills an excellent avenue to take a job somewhere in the world .

3. Short-Term Missions .  There are hundreds of opportunities for you to serve on a short-term medical mission trip , especially as a healthcare professional. In order to find out what's best for you,  explore the opportunities, organizations, and resources that will help you find that perfect match.

4. Long-Term Missions .  If you've decided that a long-term mission is proper for you, then exploring reliable options is a great place to start. There are specific organizations that specialize in long-term missions , many with various areas of focus.

5. Teach Your Medical Specialty . Everywhere across the globe, medical professionals are needed on medical mission trips to lead and instruct local populations in need of medical education. Becoming an educator not only serves those you teach but also affects the health of future generations. 

6. Domestic Missions .  Are you looking for organizations that operate right here in the United States? Search the  directory of organizations that engage in domestic missions .    

Reaching the World

God uses all kinds of mission opportunities to share His message with a world that desperately needs to hear it. Medical missions are a vital part of His plan, which is why so many groups are involved in providing medical mission trips for college students. 

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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