Specialists for Health Volunteers Overseas

Who volunteers with HVO?
HVO sends qualified professionals overseas to train local health care providers in the following specialties: anesthesia , dermatology, internal medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopaedics, pediatrics, hand surgeons. These highly skilled and experienced volunteers come from both private practice and university settings, with a significant number of retirees as well.

Where are HVO programs?
HVO has projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. Currently HVO supports over 60 projects in more than 25 countries. Each project is different depending on the educational needs and technological capacity of the country.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 in the appendix of companies which provide travel and evacuation insurance. HVO strongly recommends that all volunteers procure medical evacaution insurance.

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 aplication 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".