ISHI volunteers include both medical and non-medical active professionals. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and physician assistants are some of the professionals who regularly participate in our surgical missions. As a team, volunteers provide essential medical care to the underserved around the world, sometimes under challenging conditions. Surgical expertise, flexibility and enthusiasm for helping others are some of the many essential attributes of our volunteers.
Our non-medical volunteers accompany the medical team on missions, as well as work behind the scenes to help ISHI function and grow as an organization. Our non-medical volunteers include photographers, journalists, attorneys, artists, computer professionals, and support volunteers, who help with things like fundraising and logistics. Our volunteers offer a wealth of expertise and knowledge and are the backbone of ISHI.
You can volunteer with ISHI! Let us know how you want to help! Medical and non-medical professionals are welcome.
Non-medical volunteers can help in many ways. During our missions, we usually are accompanied by non-medical volunteers who help with logistics, mission documentation, etc. There are many non-mission opportunities to volunteer as well. We welcome volunteers who can help ISHI by writing articles, assisting with fundraising activities, and helping with other organizational activities and commitments.
No, volunteers do not travel for free. All volunteers pay for their airfare and personal expenses while on the mission. There are usually other minor trip related costs that volunteers pay for as well.
In order to participate in a mission, complete the Volunteer Application form and tell us in what capacity you would like to volunteer. There is a higher need for medical professionals than non-medical. We cannot guarantee that you will be placed on a mission team, but all applications will be reviewed and considered. You will be contacted after your application is received and reviewed.
Trip duration is anywhere between 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the location of the mission.
ISHI's teams routinely offer general, trauma and oncological surgery services. We have also offered some urologic, gynecologic and pediatric surgery services as well. Depending on the needs of the particular host site, ISHI can recruit specialty surgeons as necessary.
Each mission is specifically planned to focus on providing surgical services to the population being served. At times, while on site, other needs arise, and ISHI team members provide non-surgical services as well. ISHI is also committed to providing educational lectures to the local staff on various clinical topics.
You can help in many ways. As a medical professional you can join a mission or help organize one. As a non medical volunteer you can assist with the logistical components of the mission. You can make a donation to support an ISHI Mission. Additionally, we always welcome everyone to help with fundraising to support ISHI activities. Fundraising can occur by directly asking people you know to make a donation, or setting up small fundraising event in your home or hometown. If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser, contact ISHI for ideas, suggestions and support. Finally it is helpful to have ISHI activities published to help raise awareness, so if you know of any publication avenue (newsletter, newspaper etc.) that may be interested in documenting ISHI activity, let us know as well.
Yes, all donations are tax deductible and an email receipt will be sent to you.
Over 90% of donations to ISHI go towards direct support of a surgical mission. These include costs of medications, anesthetics, IV fluids, and some surgical supplies. Donations also are used to cover basic accommodations for the surgical team while they are providing services locally.