A winter break experience you will never forget!
Are you a Columbia University student‡ leaning toward a
medical or veterinary profession? Would you like to make a real difference
for impoverished communities in Central America? If so, join us for an unforgettable
trip to Nicaragua with the not-for-profit organization VIDA!
Application deadline: 10/14/2011.
Sign up now!
Trip Code CUN010612
If you applied for the trip but did not hear from us, please let us know by sending an e-mail to rdm2110@gmail.com.
About VIDA
VIDA is a registered 501(c)(3)
not-for-profit humanitarian association based in Costa Rica that provides free medical and dental
care as well as free or very inexpensive veterinary care to needy communities throughout Central America.
Trip Details
Our group will be divided into a medical team and a veterinary team. There will be no dental team
on this trip. Participants will work alongside local licensed healthcare professionals in mobile
clinics that we will set up in schools, community centers and/or churches.
You are not expected to have had any medical/veterinary experience or to have taken any science classes prior to the
trip. However, students on the veterinary team who wish to participate in surgery at spay/neuter
clinics will need to observe small-animal surgery for 25 hours before the trip.
Medical team volunteers will work under the supervision of local licensed physicians with the help
of translators. They will conduct patient interviews and, after presenting each case to the medical staff,
will take vital signs and perform basic physical examination that may include a blood sugar test and a urinalysis.
Volunteers will also provide vaccines to
children in coordination with the local Public Health officials and will take turns dispensing medications at
the pharmacy. In addition, students may provide basic wound care, change bandages, assist with pre-natal wellness
check-ups and promote public awareness by participating in community education discussions.
Veterinary team volunteers will work under the supervision of local licensed veterinarians and current
veterinary students. Spay/neuter clinics will have at least a 1:5 veterinarian to student ratio to maximize
participation. Volunteers will assist in all aspects of the spay and neuter surgeries (intake, preparation,
surgery, recovery, client education, discharge).
Participants will also spend at least one day de-worming and giving vitamin injections to livestock on local farms.
Cost
The cost of the trip, excluding airfare, is $1,630. This includes the $100 application fee, airport pick up/drop off,
ground transportation, lodging, bilingual health professionals, clinic supplies, guides, interpreters,
most meals and recreation activities. A $500 deposit is due by 10/14/2011.
More information
Visit our Facebook page and
take a look at VIDA's website. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact us.
† VIDA is not affiliated with Columbia University in the City of New York. This trip is not sponsored by Columbia University.
‡ If you are not a CU student and would like to join, please contact us.
We may be able to accomodate you. US licensed doctors and veterinarians are encouraged to join us and may be offered a
significant discount.
