Our NPHI Medical Team and the home’s clinics are very grateful for the support of health brigades and senior experts. Their invaluable services assist not only our children, but support the staff, and the surrounding communities. 2013 has been a great year, with several key medical teams. Many teams return yearly and travel during their vacation to provide services for the less fortunate.

The purpose of medical / dental brigades within the NPH homes is to provide services to the children, staff and patients from the community, while respecting the NPHI Healthcare Policy. Medical and dental brigades should aim to provide services that build on and add value to the services that the NPH clinics provide. The goal is to work together with the local doctor, dentist or ophthalmologist in such a way that follow up care may be provided by the local health staff after the visit has ended.

Preferred activities and services provided by brigades:

• Dental check ups
• Eyes and vision check ups
• ENT screening
• Well child exams
• Local staff training
• First aid and CPR training
• Specialists in Infectology, Neurology, Orthopedics etc.

Appointments with selected children will be coordinated by the local doctor and healthcare coordinator.

Medical students are welcome and encouraged to participate in brigades, especially those with knowledge in public health, epidemiology, pharmacology, tropical medicine, etc. However, students may only work under supervision of the leader of the group or local doctor. They are not allowed to do anything independently that they would not be allowed to do in their own countries.

Each country has its own legislation and requirements to practice medicine. Medical teams should be aware and respectful of the country’s culture and norms. Tolerance, respect, open and receptive to understanding and appreciating different cultures.

Also it is mandatory to fill out an application at least two months prior the traveling.

To view the application, visit http://www.nph.org

To view a brigade story in Spanish visit: http://www.quiron.es/es/fundacion_quiron_ayuda_quiron_prensa

Contributed by Pilar Silverman, MD
NPHI Medical Director