How to Know if Your Medical Mission Trip is Worth It

If you’ve been looking for meaningful travel opportunities that will help you expand your healthcare skill set while working abroad, you might have uncovered some useful information about medical mission trips. But, what is a medical mission trip? And more importantly, is it right for you?

Taking a medical mission trip is a huge decision! (Photo by IMA)

As with most volunteer abroad opportunities, you will make the best decision when you do the necessary research, consider your options carefully, and plan ahead.

When it comes to these specialized medical volunteer trips, you’ll also want to define the various types of medical mission trips that are available. And as important as it is to understand some of the real benefits of medical mission trips, it’s just as crucial to look at some common problems.

Once you explore the ethics of medical volunteerism, you can consider your options carefully before you decide if medical mission trips are worth it. Then you’ll be ready to apply to a program in a location you’d like to live, work, and explore!

What is a medical mission trip?

Whether you’re looking to serve as a doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant, dentist, or counselor, a well-respected medical mission trip can have a strong impact on your preparedness for future study or work.

It’s also important to make sure you select a program that is right for you and respected in the medical field of your choice. But even before you get that far, it’s important to define what a medical mission trip in your field actually entails.

On the most basic level, a medical mission trip is focused on connecting health care workers and trained medical professionals with people in need for a specific project or period of time.

Your medical prowess can go far in underserved communities around the world.

Many of the early medical mission organizations were based on religious principles and often included some form of evangelizing on behalf of the group conducting the mission—but that has changed over time and secular groups are often leading the way.

Most mission trips (including those that are still run by religious organizations) will permit anyone with qualified medical experience to serve, regardless of their personal faith or beliefs.

However, some medical mission trips have gained unwanted attention for unethical practices or for approaching their fundraising efforts in negative ways, so it’s important to make sure the organization you’re considering understands the importance of compliance with the accepted ethics of medical volunteerism.

So what else should you consider as you conduct your search?

5 problems with medical missions

There can be concerns with any kind of volunteer abroad placement you might consider, but medical mission trips have some specific red flags you should watch for. These issues range from the attitude of the providers to where they source program fees and funding.

Five of the most glaring examples are listed below. It’s good to familiarize yourself with this list, especially when you consider that any medical mission opportunity should be connected to serving those in need.

1. Medical arrogance from the visiting professionals and care-givers

The idea of qualified medical professionals going to places in need of aid seems like a positive solution. So, one of the major complaints about the problems with medical missions might come as a surprise, which is arrogance from the hosted organization—or even a stated assumption that Western medicine is always the superior choice. That’s definitely not the right way to help.

2. Insensitivity to local practices and cultural norms

A great medical mission trip will help you immerse and learn from the local culture. (Photo by IMA)

Just like arrogance is a big red flag on the list of problems with medical missions, so is any form of insensitivity to local practices and cultural norms demonstrated by a volunteer organization. So, if you’re interested in going to Cambodia for a medical program abroad, you definitely want to make sure that the organization providing aid demonstrates respect to local people and customs.

3. The organization offers “band-aid” solutions and not meaningful impact

In order for there to be evidence of the positive impact of medical mission trips, the organization needs to do much more than provide temporary solutions to systemic problems. As a potential volunteer, this should be something you can clearly see as you look at the program’s support structures, commitment to the community, and strategic plan. If you’re unable to identify how they’re affecting lasting change (or if they dodge your questions about this), that’s a big red flag.

4. Some missions have a predatory for-profit model that exploits its volunteers

Many missions are sponsored by churches, nonprofits, and universities—but there are some organizations that practice in ways that violate the accepted ethics of medical volunteerism. Many of them demand that volunteers secure big donations, and most tend to charge high fees for placement and offer very little in return. Simply put, if this is what you’re seeing, stay away.

5. Dangerous conditions for the community—or the volunteers

When you consider the impact of medical mission trips, the benefits should outweigh the risks. Some organizations fail to protect the safety of their workers, while others might demand volunteers do work outside their area of expertise. Whether the damage is to the patient, the community, or the volunteer, if you see any signs of danger, cross that organization off your list!

5 benefits of medical mission trips

So, are medical mission trips worth it? Well, now that you’ve learned how to weed out some of the problems in medical mission trips, it’s time to explore the possible benefits.

Once you identify the right placement in the field and location of your choice, it can be a real game-changer for you and for the community you will be able to serve.

If you want your medical mission to be worth it, go where you’re needed most.

1. You get to work in your field while you travel and see the world

One of the most obvious benefits of a medical mission trip is the opportunity to practice your craft and learn from experts, all while you see the world. For example, if you work with an organization like International Medical Aid, you’ll be able to work with dedicated mentors as you safely practice medicine in places like East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.

2. You will gain valuable cultural experiences that will enhance your practice

Any opportunity to study or volunteer abroad will help you become a better practitioner and more empathetic member of your community. However, working with patients at their most vulnerable and learning how to engage people from other locations and cultures will surely help you develop a more thoughtful and informed bedside manner—no matter what field you practice.

3. Medical mission trips can give you a competitive edge

Your own personal mission might be to help others wherever your skills are most needed, but one of the most powerful benefits of medical mission trips would be the advantage your experience can give you in the next phase of your career. Even if your goal is to remain in mission work, each experience you undertake can offer a real competitive edge.

4. You can build a network of other professionals (and friends!)

When you choose the kind of work that a medical mission trip entails, you will be joined by other like-minded professionals who share your passion for medicine, your compassion for others, your awareness of the global community, and even your sense of adventure. Your fellow volunteers will uplift you, challenge you, and quite likely become people you know for life.

5. You can use your talents to alleviate human suffering and respond to urgent needs

With all of these considerations, perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of your medical mission trip is the opportunity to put your talents to use where they are most urgently required. You’ll make an impact on the lives of those who desperately need the help and support of others. And as much as that’s an opportunity, it’s an honor, as well.

How to judge the ethics of medical volunteerism

It’s vital to know your chosen program has the highest medical ethics in mind. (Photo by IMA)

One of the best ways to judge the ethics of the medical mission organizations on your list is to obtain answers to the following list of questions. But remember, these should serve as initial prompts; you should absolutely add your own questions and concerns to this list.

And, as you ask for additional details, make sure to weigh the answers thoughtfully and explore your options before you sign up or accept any kind of offer.

1. How is the organization structured?

Does the organization follow a non-profit or a for-profit model? Is it structured like a social enterprise? Is it funded by a university, a medical college, or a charitable program? These questions will be important to you as you consider the ethics of medical volunteerism with any particular group. In general, for-profit models should likely be avoided. Better options exist.

2. How are placements handled?

One of the concerns reviewed in studies about the value of medical mission trips is the way in which placements are made. Your program should have a dedicated mentor to help you assess things like program options, specializations, certifications, timeline, and location. Be very wary of places that use vague language or try to sell you on working outside of your profession.

3. Does the organization follow the ethical guidelines for its programs?

There are standards for medical mission trips, including standards for shadowing other medical professionals. Be sure to ask your program contacts what kinds of standards they follow and don’t be afraid to ask for a copy. The best US programs will reference the Association of American Medical Colleges guidelines. Compare yours carefully and ask for clarity if needed.

4. What kind of mentoring exists for volunteers abroad?

Many programs will provide you with a point of contact or mentor as you’re preparing for your medical mission trip, but the mentoring needs to continue in the field. You should have a clear sense of what your on-site supervisor will be able to provide you, and what they will expect of you when you’re working with them. Testimonials on the experience will always be a plus.

5. How does the organization prepare volunteers for future work or study in their field?

Ideally, you’ll take a lot of new knowledge away from your medical mission trip.

This should be one of the most obvious benefits of medical mission trips for participants. The mission trip is part of the overall volunteer and study abroad experience, but your long-term work and future study is where the greatest impact of a medical mission trip should be felt. The support plan should be obvious, and if it’s not, that says a lot about the program’s intent.

6. What about things like safety, security, and insurance?

When you think about the ethics of medical volunteerism, you should also consider how the program upholds their commitment to you. Your safety, security, and wellbeing are critical to the overall experience. Make sure you look at the benefits offered by the program you’re interested in; if they aren’t thorough or transparent, ask why.

7. What are the fees?

Some programs offer stipends to volunteers, while others require payments be made to the program coordinators. Other programs might ask for donations to be made to the local clinics or ask that part of the mission involves raising funds within your community before you travel to your location. Whatever the case, you should always get a clear and specific list of all fees.

8. What’s included and are there any perks?

Some programs offer the bare minimum to program participants, while others offer things like guided safari adventures, cultural awareness classes, secure housing, insurance, and chef-prepared meals. Make sure that the program you select has the kind of resources and extras that meet your needs. If you’re unhappy or lacking support, you won’t do your best.

9. What are the areas served?

Is this medical mission trip in a part of the world where you want to live for an extended period of time? Is the area of study aligned with your long-term plans? Do you want to spend six months in the heat? Are you willing to work in a dental clinic if your passion is trauma care? Make sure you cover the areas (geographic and practical) that are right for your long-term goals.

10. Is there anything about this organization that makes it a really good fit for you?

A program that feels like the perfect fit means even more impact for you and the local community! (Photo by IMA)

When you consider all of the options you have for medical mission trips and medicine programs abroad, you can see there are many models, programs, and locations to choose from. If you review the problems with medical mission trips, explore the benefits, ask the right questions, and find a good fit, the most important factor will always be what feels best for you. Go with that.

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Make the impact of your medical mission trip a positive one

If you’re interested in helping others while providing medical care to those in greatest need, a medical mission might be a good fit. But before you sign up, it’s important to do the necessary research, ask the right questions, and consider all of the options before you commit.

After all, while there are many potential benefits of medical mission trips, they aren’t for everyone—and you will want to make sure you are finding the right fit while you seek to do the greatest good.

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This article was written with help from International Medical Aid. IMA is a not-for-profit organization that offers medical programs for students in places like East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean through an ethics-based approach to care. They offer summer, fall, and winter programs.