WHAT WE DO
ZCI medical missions provide medical, dental, and optical care to underserved communities around the world. We consider working with the Ministry of Health in the regions we serve as an integral part of what we do as they are aware of the shortcomings of their health system.
STUDENTS GET CLASS CREDIT WHILE EXPLORING THE WORLD
We collaborate with universities and community colleges across the country to help both medical and non-medical students participate in medical mission . Students interested in pursuing a medical career have found their experience in the field invaluable in supplementing their education. Being able to closely observe providers while having direct patient interaction and opportunities for hands on patient assessments presents students with an unforgettable experience.
ZCI aims to create a learning environment where students are able to expand their intellectual inshight by gaining experience in a variety of cultural, community, and field settings.
Students obtain both non-medical and medical service experience through the mission. Community settings encourage students to gain an understanding of the principles of service learning; improve skills in cultural competency; gain an appreciation of community needs; and gain valuable clinical training experience in community-based clinics in rural or urban areas. Students engage in reflective journaling as part of the educational experience.
We endeavor to achieve the following:
- Enabling development of cultural competence and communication skills
- Creating a more empathetic, personally committed dentist
- Improving willingness to treat underserved patients
- Creating an atmosphere of community-minded professionals
RECRUITMENT
ZCI recruits qualified medical teams and offers short-term assignments for volunteer doctors, dentists and other health care professionals as well as non-medical volunteers to conduct overseas medical clinics in areas where health care is limited or difficult to obtain
WE MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS
ZCI makes all arrangements for its medical volunteers, including transportation, food, government permits and in-country housing. Equipment, supplies and medicines are secured for the overseas medical clinics from donations through partnerships with other organizations
Once your application has been approved you will be given a comprehensive briefing packet that contains a packing list specific to the location you will be visiting and the time of year.
Medical volunteers are asked to bring their own diagnostics for use during clinic (otoscope, ophthalmoscope, stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, knee hammer, thermometer, scissors, etc.).
Non-medical volunteers provide the foundation for all of our clinics
A sizeable amount of our volunteers have no medical background and yet the services they provide form the bedrock of our operations.
As a non-medical volunteer you will work very closely with the medical and dental staff throughout the clinics as well as develop relationship with the community. Community health education is a critical component for all short term medical mission trips because it allows us to leave a lasting impression on the community.
SOME COMMON ROLES OF NON-MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS
- Clinic set up and breakdown
- Community health education — we provide you with a variety of topics or you can choose your own topic to teach a class to the local communities that will help
- Build and strengthen the people through health and wellness.
- Helping in the pharmacy
- Patient registration and intake
- Patient escort services