Palmetto Medical Initiative is committed to providing quality, sustainable care to people around the world. Our short-term medical mission teams are a vital component of our long-term approach to improving the quality of healthcare. PMI sends teams of 30-60 volunteers on quarterly trips to our project sites in Masindi, Uganda and Viejo, Nicaragua. The trips take place in March, May, August and December so that the local people can receive consistent care throughout the year while we work to complete the medical centers.
The trips will provide students and professionals the opportunity to use their medical training to have a profound impact in the lives of hurting people. We feel confident that each volunteer will return from the trip transformed by what he or she has experienced and challenged to incorporate global healthcare into their educational and professional life. Additionally, volunteers will play a part in a long-term commitment to the people of Uganda and Nicaragua, through the construction and operation of hospital facilities to provide quality care and a focus on preventative health.
The team will have five informational meetings before we depart which will cover a variety of topics including: fundraising, vaccinations, culture and clinical info. If you are selected for one of our trips, all necessary immunizations and visa information will be covered at the first team meeting.
We are aware that the cost of the trip is substantial, and we are committed to helping you make the trip work financially. As part of our fundraising support we will assist you in a letter writing campaign aimed at gaining the financial partnership of your family and friends in this endeavor. We also offer a web-based fundraising platform that will serve as a useful tool for team members. Fundraising is a common practice for missions of any type and should not be viewed with hesitancy or anxiety.
If you are interested in joining us please fill out the application on the website and mail it to: PMI, P.O. Box 542, Charleston, SC 29402.
Trip Summary: Uganda
The majority of our time in Uganda will be spent in the Diocese of Masindi Kitara located in the Northwest corner of the country. Throughout the week we will be staffing clinics to treat a wide variety of medical conditions common to the people of that region. In addition, we will be hosting community health events focused on preventative health education and the distribution of mosquito nets in response to the overwhelming malaria problem.
Lodging: The team will be staying at the Masindi Hotel located just minutes from the clinic. The hotel serves as a relaxing place to unwind at the end of the day. On the last day of the trip, the team will also stay one night at Paara Lodge on the Nile River and have the chance to go on an animal safari through Murchison National Park.
Cost: The total cost for the trip will be approximately $3,650. This will cover airfare, lodging, transportation, meals and all related expenses. In addition, we recommend that you bring $100 for any additional expenses that may be incurred during travel and/or souvenir shopping.
2013 Trip Dates:
May 3-13
August 9-19
December 6-16
2014 Trip Dates:
March 7-17
May 9-19
August 8-18
December 5-15
Trip Summary: Nicaragua
We will spend our time in Nicaragua in the Northwest corner of the country based around the city of Viejo. Throughout the week the team will be hosting clinics to treat a wide variety of medical conditions in the outlying villages around Viejo. On the last day of the trip, the team will have a moment to relax and enjoy the beautiful sites the region has to offer before returning home.
Lodging: The team will be staying in Chinandega, Nicaragua at Los Volcanes Hotel.
Cost: The total cost for the trip will be approximately $2,350. This will cover airfare, lodging, transportation, meals and all related expenses. In addition, we recommend that you bring $100 for any additional expenses that may be incurred during travel and/or souvenir shopping.
2013 Trip Dates:
May 11-19
August 10-18
December 7-15
2014 Trip Dates:
March 8-16
May 10-18
August 9-17
December 6-14
