Invitation to Interventional Cardiology Mission to Bhaktapur, Nepal

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY MISSION INVITATION

SHAHID DHARMA BHAKTA NATIONAL TRANSPLANT CENTER

BHAKTAPUR, NEPAL JULY 29 – AUGUST 5, 2019

You are cordially invited to participate in CardioStart’s 2019 Mission to Nepal at the Shahid Dharma Bhakta National Transplant Center in the historic city of Bhaktapur. After performing the first heart surgery case in 2016, we have returned multiple times to continue our collaborative efforts of assisting in the advancement of cardiovascular care in the region. This mission will focus on the development of the interventional cardiology program, which is quite new in comparison to other advanced procedures being performed at the hospital such as living donor kidney transplantation. A brand new Cath lab was completed in 2018, and since that time we’ve assisted with training for diagnostic and interventional procedures, as well as the development of Cath lab protocols for patient safety and efficient management.

NEPAL

Ever since Nepal first opened its borders to outsiders in the 1950s, this tiny mountain nation has had an irresistible mystical allure for travelers. Today, legions of trekkers are drawn to the Himalaya’s most iconic and accessible hiking, some of the world’s best, with rugged trails to Everest, the Annapurnas and beyond. Nowhere else can you trek for days or even weeks in incredible mountain scenery, secure in the knowledge that a hot meal, cozy lodge and warm slice of apple pie await you at the end of the day. Nepal is nirvana for mountain lovers.

Some travelers are drawn to Nepal by the adrenaline rush of rafting down a roaring Nepali river or bungee jumping into a bottomless Himalayan gorge. Canyoning, climbing, kayaking, paragliding and mountain biking all offer a rush against the backdrop of some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

The teams will arrive July 29th. Team members will depart on August 5th.

TEAM COMPOSITION:

CATH LAB-

1 Adult Interventional Cardiologist
1 Catheterization Lab Tech
1 Nurse confident in insertion site monitoring

MISSION LOGISTICS

Airfare: Airfare costs and VISA will be self-funded by each volunteer with $1000 reimbursement. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT BOOK FLIGHTS UNTIL YOU ARE CONFIRMED ON THE TEAM. You will receive a CONFIRMATION letter when all required documents have been submitted and approved.

Lodging: Will be provided. CardioStart seeks certain minimum standards (2-3 star) to ensure volunteer safety and comfort as well as keeping the team together. Volunteers should expect same-sex room sharing in order to help reduce the costs.

Meals: Meals will be freely provided at the clinical site.

Travel/touring: Upon completion of the mission, you may wish to take a few days vacation. You can visit some of the many natural wonders of Nepal, or book yourself additional nights before heading back. However, we cannot assist with the tourism arrangements. Staying in Bhaktapur is a tourist site itself. You will need to pay $10 entry at the beginning of your stay. You will be in a great place to tour on off hours during the mission.