MISSION INVITATION

DHULIKHEL HOSPITAL/KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, NEPAL

May 3-16, 2015

You are cordially invited to participate in the 2015 inaugural mission to Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal. This 225-bed community supported hospital is expanding services to 2.5 million Nepalese to include full cardiac services. The cardiology department is currently providing angiograms and newly begun interventional cardiology procedures in-house. They are now prepared to begin a full cardiac surgery program and have asked for the support of CardioStart International. The local team members have acquired some early education in their areas of responsibility and look to our team for hands-on learning.

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 Annapurna’s 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.
Read more: Click Here.

Mission Goals

To building on the work a Korean team has begun in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery. We will begin the adult program for Cardiac surgery. Outreach clinics will focus on cardiac disease identification and prevention. Research will be extended to bring full circle work already started in the study of valvular heart disease.

Team Composition

Needed:
1 Pediatric CV Anesthesiologist
1 Neonatal ICU RN
1 Pediatric ICU RN
1 Perfusionist (1 week)

Filled:
2 CV Surgeons (1 adult/1 pediatric)
1 adult Anesthesiologist
2 Perfusionists (1 adult/1 pediatric)
1 Intensivist (pediatric)
2 Cardiologist (1 adult/1 pediatric)
1 Nurse Educator
1 Nurse Case Manager
1 Research Assistant
1 Scrub Tech/RN
1 Primary Care Physician for Outreach
1 Outreach dentist
1 Circulator
7 ICU RN’s (3 adult/3 pediatric)
1 Biomedical Engineer
1 Ped/Adult Respiratory Therapist
1 Echo Tech
1 Primary Care Physicians/NP for outreach
2 Outreach clinic nurses

Mission Logistics

Airfare: Airfare costs and VISA will be self-funded by each volunteer. You may book your own flight or consult cardiostart@raptimusa.com.. 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: We are looking into funding sources to subsidize the costs. 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: During the day, meals will be freely provided at the hospital. Evening meals/snacks, etc., will be at your own expense and are available at the hotel or other area establishments. Those working outreach may need to fund their meals when they are out on excursions.

Travel/touring: For patient safety reasons, we do need the medical personnel to be in the hospital until the Friday of the second week. Upon completion of the mission, you may like to take a few days vacation. You can visit some of the many natural wonders of Nepal. We cannot assist with the tourism arrangements.

How to Apply
If you wish to participate and become a team member, do apply immediately on our website Volunteer Interest Form

Looking forward to a great mission,

Janine Henson, RN, BSN, CCRN
Janine.henson@cardiostart.org
Mission Director