FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I am a PreMed student. Can I participate in a mission?
This varies from mission to mission. You will need to contact the mission director whose email address can be found on the mission information form found by clicking on the mission you are interested in.
I have no medical training but would still like to be part of a mission. Is this possible?
Medical training is not a requirement for participating in a mission. You will need to contact the mission director whose email address can be found on the mission information form found by clicking on the mission you are interested in. Frequently missions need translators and speaking the language of the country to which the mission is going can be a reason for acceptance.
I am in medical school and would like to help on a mission. What will I be allowed to do?
This depends on the level of training you have had and the amount of oversight the mission medical staff can provide. All students on missions should be under supervision of a physician, just as they are here in the United States. You will need to contact the mission director whose email address can be found on the mission information form found by clicking on the mission you are interested in.
I am a physician but am not trained in primary care or specialty care. Is there a need for my services?
Yes. For example, there may be a need for certain specialties, including surgical. You will need to contact the mission director whose email address can be found on the mission information form found by clicking on the mission you are interested in.
I am interested in coordinating a mission to an area/country that I don’t see on DOCARE’s list. Are DOCARE missions restricted only to certain areas/countries?
DOCARE’s goal is to go where medical care is needed. Setting up missions to new areas requires careful planning but is certainly doable. This presentation will provide you with background on what is involved. (Click here to link to mission presentation)
How do I find out more about housing, travel restrictions, vaccination requirements, etc. for the mission I am interested in?
You will need to contact the mission director whose email address can be found on the mission information form found by clicking on the mission you are interested in.
Should I go ahead and purchase my airline ticket before contacting the mission director?
You should not purchase a ticket, or make any definite plans until you hear back from the mission director stating that you have been approved to participate.
Does DOCARE charge to go on missions?
Unlike the large majority of medical relief organizations, DOCARE does not charge its volunteers to participate in missions. DOCARE relies on the dues of its member to fund operations. This is why it is necessary for all mission volunteers to be DOCARE members.