“I was pleased when I was able to examine a patient with the students and demonstrate microscopy techniques for examining skin cells for the presence of fungus. When the specimen was positive, I could really see the light go on in many of the students’ eyes. They were able to grasp how, so often in dermatology, we can diagnose a condition using a clinical-laboratory correlation, then institute appropriate treatment. They were able to see the art of visual pattern recognition, and yet also the laboratory science, that underlies our specialty. No additional language translation was needed that day!“
-HVO Dermatology Volunteer to Cambodia
READY TO VOLUNTEER?
There are multiple steps to the placement process and often more than one approval is required. The process varies slightly from country-to-country and project-to-project. We strive to make this process as quick as possible but potential volunteers should be aware that final approval can take several months.
- To begin the placement process, complete the volunteer application and submit your CV.
ACTIVE PROJECTS
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – National Dermatology Course and Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital
Volunteers assist in the training of dermatology students, provide continuing education regarding current and new trends of dermatologic diagnosis and treatment, and provide training to nurses and physicians involved in dermatologic care. Department faculty would also appreciate research mentoring and volunteers from a variety of subspecialties.
Project type: In-person only
Length of assignment: 2 weeks
Qualifications: Board certified or eligible and hold a current license to practice dermatology in the United States or Canada (active or retired). Final-year residents will also be considered. International members of AAD (those who reside outside the US or Canada and have board certification equivalent to that of the American Board of Dermatology or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada) may serve as volunteers at the discretion of the HVO project director.
Housing: Volunteer responsible for housing; information on nearby facilities provided.
Companions allowed: Adults and minors.
Mbarara, Uganda – Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)
Volunteers provide training and support of the dermatology residency program at the MUST. Volunteers also provide training to medical students, general medical officers, clinical officers, and nurses. This project is also eager to learn from subspecialists, including dermatologic surgeons and dermatopathologists.
Project type: Hybrid (in-person and virtual)
Length of assignment: 2 weeks minimum in-person; variable for virtual
Qualifications: Board certified or eligible and hold a current license to practice dermatology in the United States or Canada (active or retired). Final year residents accepted if paired with an appropriate preceptor. International members of AAD (those who reside outside the US or Canada and have board certification equivalent to that of the American Board of Dermatology or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada) may serve as volunteers at the discretion of the HVO project director.
Housing: Volunteer responsible for housing; information on nearby facilities provided.
Companions: Adults only, no minors.
Hue, Vietnam – Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy (HueUMP)
Volunteers provide clinical and didactic instruction to update and broaden the skills and knowledge of the dermatology faculty at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy in a variety of diagnostic and treatment techniques. Volunteers also help develop nursing guidelines for skin diseases.
Project type: In-person only
Length of assignment: 2-4 weeks
Qualifications: Board certified or eligible and hold a current license to practice dermatology in the United States or Canada (active or retired). Final year residents accepted if paired with an appropriate preceptor. International members of AAD (those who reside outside the US or Canada and have board certification equivalent to that of the American Board of Dermatology or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada) may serve as volunteers at the discretion of the HVO project director.
Housing: Volunteer responsible for housing; information on nearby facilities provided.
Companions allowed: Adults and minors.