“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 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.
Assignment: 2 weeks (flexible)
Teaching Topics: Dermatology – all topics
Opportunities for Those-in-Training: Final year residents accepted.
Qualifications: Board certified or eligible and hold a current license to practice dermatology in the United States or Canada (active or retired). 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.
Activities: Clinical training, continuing education, faculty/staff training, formal lecturing, mentoring.
Housing: Volunteer responsible for housing; information on nearby facilities provided.
Companions: Suitable for companion/spouse; suitable for children.
San Jose, Costa Rica – University of Costa Rica
Volunteers assist in improving the academic dermatologic residency program through week long concentrated courses on various dermatologic topics. The volunteer schedule includes one to two hours of lecture time per day, attending ward rounds, and observing in clinic.
Assignment: 1-4 weeks
Teaching Topics: Dermatology – all topics
Opportunities for Those-in-Training: No.
Qualifications: Board certified or eligible and hold a current license to practice dermatology in the United States or Canada (active or retired). 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.
Activities: Curriculum development, education material development, formal lecturing, grand rounds, mentoring, research advising.
Housing: Volunteer responsible for housing; information on nearby facilities provided.
Companions: Suitable for companion/spouse; suitable for children.
Kathmandu, Nepal – Dermatology Institute Skin Health and Referral Center, Nepal Medical College & Teaching Hospital, and Kathmandu Medical College & Teaching Hospital
Volunteers will act as mentors to young physicians seeking to develop expertise in pediatric dermatology and improve pediatric dermatology care in Nepal. Volunteers will also provide lectures and clinical training to residents and may also assist with faculty and staff training.
Assignment: 2-4 weeks
Teaching Topics: Dermatology – all pediatric topics; hemagiomas, vascular malformations, and pediatric dermatology surgery of particular interest
Opportunities for Those-in-Training: No.
Qualifications: Board certified or eligible and hold a current license to practice dermatology in the United States or Canada (active or retired). 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; board certification in pediatric dermatology or special expertise in that area required.
Activities: Clinical training, continuing education, faculty/staff training, formal lecturing, mentoring.
Housing: Volunteer responsible for housing; information on nearby facilities provided.
Companions: Suitable for companion/spouse; suitable for children.
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.
Assignment: 2 week minimum
Teaching Topics: Dermatology – all topics
Opportunities for Those-in-Training: Final year residents accepted if paired with an appropriate preceptor.
Qualifications: Board certified or eligible and hold a current license to practice dermatology in the United States or Canada (active or retired). 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.
Activities: Clinical training, departmental conferences, continuing education, faculty/staff training, formal lecturing, mentoring.
Housing: Housing is provided for a reasonable fee.
Companions: Suitable for companion/spouse; not suitable for children.
Hue, Vietnam – Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy
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.
Assignment: 2-4 weeks
Teaching Topics: Dermatology – diagnostic treatment techniques of particular interest
Opportunities for Those-in-Training: Final year residents accepted if paired with an appropriate preceptor.
Qualifications: Board certified or eligible and hold a current license to practice dermatology in the United States or Canada (active or retired). 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.
Activities: Clinical training, continuing education, faculty/staff training, didactic instruction, protocol development.
Housing: Volunteer responsible for housing; information on nearby facilities provided..
Companions: Suitable for companion/spouse; suitable for children.