FAQ's

Who volunteers with HVO?
HVO sends qualified professionals overseas to train local health care providers in: anesthesia, burn management, dentistry, dermatology, hand surgery, hematology, internal medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopaedics, pediatrics, nursing education, physical therapy and wound management. These highly skilled and experienced volunteers come from both private practice and university settings, with a significant number of retirees as well. We encourage health care professionals from the US and Canada to apply for a volunteer placement.

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Where are HVO programs?
HVO has projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. Currently HVO supports over 70 projects in more than 25 countries. Each project is different depending on the educational needs and technological capacity of the country.

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What do HVO volunteers do while overseas?
HVO is a teaching and training organization. HVO volunteers train local health care providers, giving them the knowledge and skills to make a difference in their own communities. Volunteers lecture, conduct ward rounds and demonstrate various techniques in classrooms, clinics, and operating rooms. They may be involved in teacher training, curriculum development, and mentoring of students.

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How long do volunteers serve?
Most programs require that volunteers serve for one month, but there are some sites where one may serve for two weeks. There are opportunities for longer placements if a volunteer has the time available.

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Can family members come?
Spouses and families frequently accompany volunteers on their assignments. Often, family members are able to volunteer. Spouses without clinical training can work as teachers, administrators, or in some other capacity depending on the site. Since certain sites are more accommodating then others, volunteers should contact HVO staff to discuss the feasibility of their families accompanying them overseas.

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Who manages the programs?
Each program is managed by a volunteer Program Director in North America who is a health professional with HVO experience. The Program Directors are responsible for screening and orienting volunteers. They also have extensive information about the sites, local customs, housing arrangements, health conditions, and other pertinent information. While the HVO staff may help find the correct site, make logistical arrangements, and prepare the volunteers to teach, it is the Program Director and other returned volunteers who are the principal resources for clinically-oriented questions and concerns. The HVO staff in Washington, DC is responsible for supporting and recruiting for all programs. Staff in the Program Department work closely with potential volunteers to determine what site is most suitable given his or her interest and expertise.

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What about expenses?
Volunteers pay for transportation to and from a program site. Many sites provide room, board, and daily transportation for volunteers once they arrive. Since HVO is registered as a nonprofit with the US Internal Revenue Service, most travel and living expenses and related costs incurred by a volunteer are a tax-deductible donation. Volunteers keep track of their expenses and, upon returning home, submit a Financial Contribution Form to HVO noting these expenses. HVO sends a letter of acknowledgement which, along with relevant receipts, can be used for income tax purposes.

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What about insurance?
HVO volunteers, in their capacity as teachers rather than the primary providers of service, have not found liability insurance to be an issue. HVO also adheres to all local registration requirements in each country of service. On occasion this means that volunteers will have to submit documentation about their education, licensure and certification status. As for travel or health insurance, HVO does not have the resources to provide any special policy to volunteers. We recommend consulting your insurance company regarding coverage provided by your policy while abroad. HVO's Guide to Volunteering Overseas has a list of companies which provide travel and evacuation insurance. HVO strongly recommends that all volunteers procure medical evacaution insurance.

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What is the first step?
First become a member of Health Volunteers Overseas. You can join on-line using our secure server. If you prefer, you can print out the membership application and mail or fax it to us. Members receive a bi-annual newsletter which includes updates on program sites. Members also receive the monthly electronic newsletter, The Net Connection. Dues provide the financial support needed to sustain the organization. To begin the placement process, potential volunteers should complete the Volunteer Profile Form and return it to the HVO office. Completion of this form in no way commits you to volunteering, but it is the essential first step. You may complete this form on-line by visiting the "Volunteer Toolkit".

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When I decide to go, how do I prepare?
Volunteers have numerous resources at their disposal to prepare for an assignment. The most effective volunteers are those who have taken the time to learn about the country where they will be of service as well as about the project. All volunteers receive an orientation packet several months before they go overseas. This packet includes a program description, contact information as well as trip reports by previous volunteers. The packet also contains Department of State Background Notes, visa and insurance information, travel agent recommendations, immunization and health advice and other other information pertinent to your site. Another important resource for volunteers is the HVO Guide to Volunteering Overseas, a publication every volunteer should read before their assignment. This manual is provided free of charge to all volunteers and is included in the orientation packet. Additional copies are available for $25 each by contacting the HVO office. The manual outlines the goals and methods, problems and pitfalls of short-term volunteer health work in a developing country. Volunteers are also advised to contact previous volunteers and the Program Director for insight into the HVO experience. They should be able to provide details about the trainees, their level of education, their English language skills, and what topics have been covered. For historical, cultural and sight-seeing information, volunteers can research the host country through their local library or on the Internet. The goal of this preparation is to ensure that volunteers are relaxed and confident, with a thorough knowledge of the site's trainees and training needs.

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