What Will We Do?
Our primary activity will be providing medical and community health services to the residents of Chacraseca and surrounding communities. We will partner with Nicaraguan doctors and nurses to provide access to this underserved population, while also learning about a different culture and health care system! Chacraseca is an extremely impoverished area of Nicaragua with 2 physicians and 1 dentist for 8000 people. Our team will consist of doctors, nurses, community health providers, and medical students. There will also be roles for participants from other fields–this trip is not limited to medical personnel.
During the daily clinics, there will be intensive training of students in the art of medicine - without the use of lab, x-rays, and other technology. Students will be encouraged to use their mind and hands to evaluate and treat patients. In addition, there will be opportunities to learn about a different cultural and global issues.
Participants should be in good health, able to walk at least ¼ mile, and must be pre-approved by the trip leader. Medical students and osteopathic physicians must be members of DOCARE. All participants will be required to show proof of international health insurance.
Where Will We Stay?
We will stay in León, the second largest city in Nicaragua, at the Hotel San Juan de León, a moderate hotel with private bathrooms. This is about 30 minutes from Chacraseca, the community in which we will be working.
We will be gathering material supplies to donate to the community, so travelers will be limited to one carry-on bag per person for the trip — it’s a chance to see what we can do without! If you have access to a wheelchair or walker – they are always needed.
What Will It Cost?
The cost will be $900 per person PLUS airfare. This covers lodging, most meals, in-country transportation, translator expenses, trip coordination and leadership, and some medical supplies for team use. A nonrefundable deposit of $200 is due by April 10, 2016, to hold your space. Group size is limited to 30; if the team is full at the time of your deposit, you may choose to be put on the waitlist. The total trip cost will be due by May 10.
Other personal costs will be meals en route to and from Nicaragua; one dinner in León and one dinner at the beach; souvenirs; visa ($10); and any unscheduled activities the team decides to add. In addition, two tourist opportunities will be offered the last day of the trip ($45 or less).
Travel Arrangements
Participants make their own flight arrangements. You must arrive in Managua by Saturday, July 9 at 3pm. Flights may cost significantly less arriving Friday rather than Saturday. If you arrive Friday, we suggest that you stay at the Best Western Las Mercedes directly across the street from the airport (cost not included and you make your own reservations).
Deadlines
April 10 - Online registration and $200 deposit due
May 7 - Health care professionals (Doctors, NPs, PAs) must mail to JustHope a properly notarized copy of their medical diploma, current license, and one-page CV.
May 10 - Full trip fee due; paperwork, passport copy, and airline itinerary must be turned in to JustHope.
More information
LECOM trip organizers have created a website with more information about daily details, pharmaceutical formularies, and more.
Trip Leader: Dr. Tom Quinn, tquinn@lecom.edu
JustHope Contact: Phil Morice Brubaker, phil@JustHope.org
Nicaragua
| Trip Fee Deposit | $200.00 |
| Trip Fee | $900.00 |
| Trip Fee balance | $700.00 |