DHULIKHEL HOSPITAL/KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, NEPAL
and
HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT CENTER, BHAKTAPUR, NEPAL

You are cordially invited to participate in the 2017 return mission to Kathmandu University 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 interventional cardiology procedures in-house. They are now providing adult cardiac surgery on a weekly basis. CardioStart International returns for the 5^th time to continue building on this program development.

After performing the first adult heart surgery case at the Human Organ Transplant Center (HOTC) in Bhaktapur Nepal we will return to advance the program. This facility is geared to collaboratively share staff and resources with the Dhulikhel Hospital. The HOTC already performs other solid organ transplants and envisions heart transplant surgery in the future after the heart surgery program is in place.

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.

Mission Goals

Include the continued education and support in developing an adult cardiac surgery and intervention program. Assessment and diagnosis of Rheumatic heart disease will continue.

Team Composition

Needed:

1 CV Surgeons (Filled)

1 Adult Anesthesiologist

1 Adult cardiologist

1 Perfusionist

1 Scrub Nurse

1 Research Assistant

4 ICU RN’s

1 Biomedical Engineer

Mission Logistics

Airfare: Airfare costs and VISA will be self-funded by each volunteer. When instructed to do so 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: 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: 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 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.

How to Apply

If you wish to participate and become a team member, do apply immediately using our Volunteer Interest Form.

Janine Henson, RN, BSN, CCRN President

Janine.henson@cardiostart.org