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We Need Your Help

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International Surgical Missions works to leverage the passion, skills, and humanitarian ethos of the surgical community to effectively meet the needs of the medically underserved. We would like to engage members in an effort to address critical public health issues related to access to basic surgical care internationally.
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On our surgical trip we take volunteers of varying specialties and recruit candidates that match up with the teams ability to provide care.  These trips are longer in length because they include adequate time for pre-screening candidates and setting up a surgical rotation as well as post surgery care and training for follow up with local providers. Our surgery teams have treated patients ranging from 4 months old to 70 years old.
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Inadequate financial resources of patients often prevent them from obtaining simple surgeries that are life threatening or life changing.  ISM connects these patients to the appropriate surgical team for care.
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We invite individuals and organizations to become Partners, Sponsors or Volunteers!
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Partnersare organizations who provide opportunities, to volunteers, Sponsorsare private individuals, organizations or companies who provide us with the means to do our work, while Volunteersare people who are interested in pursuing opportunities, which may include:
  • Service opportunities
  • Funding opportunities
  • Education opportunities

We Need Your Help

​

International Surgical Missions works to leverage the passion, skills, and humanitarian ethos of the surgical community to effectively meet the needs of the medically underserved. We would like to engage members in an effort to address critical public health issues related to access to basic surgical care internationally.
​
On our surgical trip we take volunteers of varying specialties and recruit candidates that match up with the teams ability to provide care.  These trips are longer in length because they include adequate time for pre-screening candidates and setting up a surgical rotation as well as post surgery care and training for follow up with local providers. Our surgery teams have treated patients ranging from 4 months old to 70 years old.
​
Inadequate financial resources of patients often prevent them from obtaining simple surgeries that are life threatening or life changing.  ISM connects these patients to the appropriate surgical team for care.
​

We invite individuals and organizations to become Partners, Sponsors or Volunteers!

​
Partners are organizations who provide opportunities, to volunteers, Sponsorsare private individuals, organizations or companies who provide us with the means to do our work, while Volunteersare people who are interested in pursuing opportunities, which may include:
  • Service opportunities
  • Funding opportunities
  • Education opportunities
​

Mission Trips Dos and Don’ts

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  1. DO prepare for long days.
  2. DO respect our hosts their culture and customs.
  3. DON'T discuss salaries.
  4. DO bring some SMALL gifts for the people you are working with, things like key chains, pins, and other small items are much appreciated. 
  5. NEVER give money to our patients or hosts.
  6. Even if offered please DON'T accept offers to take you touring or shopping. The staff is trying to be nice but they have lives and it would be overwhelming if each of us asked or accepted such offers. Politely decline.
  7. DO observe the CDC guidelines for the country we are in for immunizations and food precautions
  8. DON'T give away or promise supplies or equipment. If you do want to donate something to the hospital check with the mission coordinator.
  9. DO pack your medication that you need in your carry on luggage along with a change of clothes.
  10. ALWAYS keep an open mind and enjoy yourself!
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FAQs about Traveling with Us

 
1.  What is the cost?

The cost will vary based on current airfare and the location of the mission.  An estimate for the Philippine mission is $2000 per volunteer. This will cover airfare from LAX and room and board. We suggest that you also bring a small amount of spending money (no more than $500).

 

2.  Will I be safe?

To date, all volunteers have returned home safely. We do suggest that you follow your trip leaders, tips for conducting yourself in the host country.

 

3.  Will I get sick?

The most common illness is traveler's diarrhea. This can be avoided simply by not drinking water unless it is bottle and not eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they have been peeled. ISM travels with medications to treat traveler's diarrhea. We also suggest that you reach out to your local health department and ask to speak with the international travel nurse. This person will help you understand the risks and provide any required vaccinations.

 

4.  Can I call home?

Yes you can call home. We suggest that you notify your cell phone carrier and set-up arrangements for temporary international calling capability. There are typically several volunteers who have access to phones with international capabilities.

 

5.  How do we get around the country?

Arrangements for travel within the country are made in advance of each trip.  This can include, small aircraft, bus, jeepney and boat.  

 

6.  What if I don't like being there?

It is common to experience some culture shock on arrival and some reverse culture shock upon returning. We encourage you to reach out to your trip leader and fellow volunteers. This typically passes in a few days. Remember you will be doing the best work of your life in a beautiful country, with a great team and the most gracious hosts anyone could ask for.  

 

7.  How do you handle the jet lag?

Stay busy! Get outside in the sunshine. Try to get on the new time schedule as soon as possible.

 

8.  Where else do you go?

We travel to the Philippines annually. We also try to take a trip to somewhere in South America once a year.

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