The Nica2013 participants have already been confirmed, but keep your eyes posted for next year's application!

 

Nicaragua 2013 Need to Know Information

General:

The bulk of the planning for this trip will be accomplished during Spring Term. Many of us are going to be gone over the summer / doing other things (i.e. research), so we are all going to be working hard as soon as we get our group together. Be prepared for a significant time commitment (BUT…it will pay off don’t worry!).

Important Dates:

  • Silent Auction: March 11th - 15th
  • Food Festival: May 18th
  • Spring Term: Weekly Seminar Series April: Dates TBA
  • NICARAGUA TRIP 2013: August 25th - September 5th 

Costs:

  • Airline tickets: $450 - 800
  • Lodging and food on Ometepe: roughly $400, based on 2012
  • Food, drinks, etc: up to you when not on Ometepe
  • Transportation from Rivas to Airport after the clinics in not included in deposits
  • Involvement in fundraising can reduce our costs and improve our clinic standard of care!

Credits:

  • 2 elective credits for Fall term 2013
    • Only eligible for elective credit twice. After that you may set up the trip for preceptorship credit if you are in your 4th year
  • Requirements for credit:
  • Participation in planning / preparing for the trip
  • Attendance at 2013 Weekly Seminar Series
  • Group presentation upon return (Fall 2013)
  • Trip wrap up (data analysis, thank you mailings, etc)

Commitments Prior to the trip:

  • “Team” Assignments made winter term – anticipate weekly meetings
    • Clinic “Team” assigned Winter term include:
      • Pharmacy and Anesthesia
      • Surgery and Recovery
      • Large Animal
      • Wellness/Intake
      • Diagnostics
    • Project “Team”
      • 2011 IVSA Symposium Corporate Donation Coordination, Community education and research, Fund-raising and donation collection, Drug Permit Coordination, Surgery and Drug protocols, Logistics, veterinary recruitment and publicity, adopt an animal, student Nica resource book
      • New Ideas?
  • Educational seminars:  Necessary to fulfill elective credit requirements
    • To take place weekly, during Spring Term
    • Last year included:
      • Dr. Tornquist – Diagnostics procedures, 10-head scope session and sample collection wet lab
      • Dr. Mecham – Equine handling, hoof care and dental wetlab
      • Dr. Ward – Zoonotic diseases
      • Dr. Seguin – Spay and Neuter Tips
      • Dr. De Morais – Tropical Canine diseases
      • Dr. Del Alamo – Anesthesia in the field + CPR techniques
  • Miscellaneous
    • Planning/preparation/discussion meetings
    • Packing party – either in August before the trip or before you depart for the summer
    • Assisting with efforts of other teams
    • Recruiting veterinarians to come with us
    • Optional Spanish practice sessions
    • Additional Support during the Summer
  • Information Packet