Be Doers..Not Hearers Only

We have been shocked and saddened by the number of occupational injustices we have learned about over the past 3 months. This has inspired us to learn more about what we can do to help. Local opportunities to volunteer are plentiful and easy to find. But what about going on a short term medical missions trip? Did you know there are many opportunities for occupational therapy students to help internationally? Here are some examples:

Six occupational therapy students, six physical therapy students and seven nursing students, accompanied by Sacred Heart University faculty, traveled to Antigua to work with patients with disabilities, children suffering from malnutrition, the elderly, and the homeless. Read more..http://www.news-line.com/blog/2011/11/21/pt-ot-nursing-np-students-and-faculty-return-from-medical-missions/

“It was the most amazing and most fulfilling experience of my life. They (Guatemalan’s) were just grateful for the help. Everyone hugs you, kisses you, they trust you will help them… A lot of what we learned you cannot write down on paper. They lead completely different lives than you do. It takes you down to what health care should be, which is one person helping another.” - Rebecca von der Heyde, MA OTR CHT, assistant professor of Occupational Therapy at Maryville University Read more.. http://www.maryville.edu/news9820.htm

Have you every wondered how you could get involved in medical missions? Here is a website with a whole list of possible ideas (*note: we can't guarantee the integrity of these organizations or opportunities, so we recommend you check them out carefully if you decide to pursue one). Read more.. http://www.medicalmissions.org/mission-trips/occupational-therapy/

References:  

Maryville University. (2011) Students inspired by service work in Guatemala. Retrieved February 28, 2012, from http://www.maryville.edu/news9820.htm

Medical Missions.org. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2012, from http://www.medicalmissions.org/mission-trips/occupational-therapy/ 

Newsline-Online. (2011). PT, OT, Nursing, & NP Students and Faculty Return from Medical Missions. Retrieved February 28, 2012, from http://www.news-line.com/blog/2011/11/21/pt-ot-nursing-np-students-and-faculty-return-from-medical-missions/

Please join us in discussing the following:

Have you ever considered going on a short term medical missions trip?

If so, what type of occupational injustice would you like to help address?

Is there a geographical area that most interests you?

What is hindering you from beginning to research medical missions opportunities?