An hour of hydrocele surgery will completely change the life of a Haitian man. We need passionate surgeons, anesthesiologist and surgical nurses to support our mission.
What kind of organization is Surgeon Volunteers?
Surgeon Volunteers is an international surgical mission organization based in the United States. It is nonprofit, non-religious and non-political. It serves as a platform for all surgeons and anesthesologists from around the world to jointly promote and develop international medical volunteering.
What is the mission of Surgeon Volunteers?
The main mission of Surgeon Volunteers is to provide accessible, equitable and quality surgical services to the Haitian patients with filarial hydrocele.
What is the Make Men Smile® Program?
Make Men Smile® program is a specialized surgical mission program of Surgeon Volunteers. It mainly performs hydrocelectomies to relieve the suffering of Haitians who have suffered lymphatic filarial hydroceles. It partners with New Hope Hospital, Cap Haitien, and Higgins Brothers Surgicenterfor Hope, Fond Parisien. Hydrocelectomy is the most effective way to treat filarial hydroceles.
What is the mission of Surgeon Volunteers?
The mission of Surgeon Volunteers is to provide accessible, equitable and quality surgical services to the Haitian patients with filarial hydrocele.
How long does a project last?
The duration of each mission trip usually is 7 days. However, Make Men Smile® program is carried out multiple times a year.
What is the process for participating in Make Men Smile® program?
Most physicians need to arrange their schedules ahead of time. Therefore, we will notify the participants at least six months prior about upcoming mission trips, including the detailed process, cost of the trip, necessary documents, temporary permit to practice medicine in a local country, vaccinations, tickets and hotel booking, surgical instruments, common medications, clothes, and other items necessary for the trip. We will help answer any questions the participants may have.
If you are not able to participate in a mission trip, you can still get involved in other promotional activities to support the organization’s cause.
Is Make Men Smile® program right for me?
Before you decide to participate in a mission trip, you should consider your decision thoroughly, as this type of surgical service may not be suitable for everyone. In addition to the cost of the trip, you should consider if you are prepared for an overseas journey and a potentially harsh environment. You will most likely live with a few strangers in an unfamiliar environment for a week, and living conditions can be very poor and limited. Mosquito bites are common. Food can be very different from what you are used to, and people may get gastroenteritis. Sleep deprivation and insomnia are also common. You may need to work long hours with limited supplies and face culture differences and language barriers. There is also the chance of an accident occurring while you navigate a new environment.
Would you be able to overcome these difficulties and still focus on your work? Will long distance travel and jet lag affect you after you return? We encourage you to discuss with your family members and have their support before you make a decision.
What is the cost to participate in a mission trip?
For physicians, the cost is $2600 per person. For non-physicians, the cost is $1500 per person. This covers flight, hotel, food, and local transportation. The rest of the fund is used to purchase medications, supplies and equipment for the mission trip.
Are donations to Make Men Smile® tax deductible?
Yes. Surgeon Volunteers is an IRS-approved 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization.
