Pre-Departure Checklist

A Note on These Guidelines

The pre-departure checklist on this page is intended as a general reference to help participants begin thinking through preparation for global medical missions and health trips. It covers common areas of readiness — from health and vaccines to documents, safety, and clinical ethics — but it is not exhaustive, and requirements will vary significantly based on your destination, role, and institutional affiliation. This list should be used as a starting point, not a substitute for official guidance. 

1. Health and Medical

  • Schedule travel clinic visit (6–8 weeks before departure)

  • Update routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, influenza, COVID-19, etc.)

  • Obtain destination-specific vaccines (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever if required)

  • Arrange malaria prophylaxis and other necessary medications (altitude, traveler’s diarrhea, etc.)

  • Complete TB screening and required health forms

2. Documents and Approvals

  • Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond return date

  • Obtain visa (if required) and make copies of key documents (passport, visa, insurance)

  • Register trip in university/organization travel registry

  • Register travel with State Department (https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step)

  • Complete all required waivers, risk forms, and emergency contact information

  • Share itinerary and contact details with a trusted contact

3. Training and Orientation

  • Attend team/program orientation (clinical expectations, local system, logistics)

  • Review code of conduct (professional behavior, confidentiality, social media, photography)

4. Role, Supervision, and Ethics

  • Clarify clinical role and limitations with supervising organization

  • Confirm on-site supervisor and communication plan

  • Understand standards for informed consent, documentation, and handoff of care

  • Ensure project aligns with local health system needs and avoids 'voluntourism'

5. Safety and Local Context

  • Review destination risk level and institutional travel policies

  • Learn local laws, cultural norms, and expectations

  • Save emergency numbers, hospital locations, and embassy contacts

  • Confirm safe housing and transportation plans

6. Packing and Communication

  • Pack medications, prescriptions, and basic first aid supplies

  • Bring only approved clinical items (e.g., stethoscope, scrubs, PPE)

  • Arrange communication plan (SIM card, roaming, messaging apps)

  • Download or print key documents (protocols, contacts, maps)

Personal and Mental Readiness

As part of pre-travel preparation, trainees should take time to reflect on their motivations and expectations, discuss any concerns with a mentor or program leader, and identify coping strategies to manage potential stress, culture shock, or moral distress. They should also consider the ethical dimensions of working in resource-limited settings, including issues of scope of practice, sustainability, and power dynamics within host communities. Additionally, trainees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the local cultural, social, and healthcare context to promote respectful and effective engagement. They should also commit to participating in a post-trip debrief and reflection to thoughtfully process the experience and integrate key learnings.

 

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