HCI currently sends Medical and Surgical teams three times a year to Nicaragua in February, June and November.

The purpose of our international mission program is to provide donated medical and surgical help to women and children where medical and/or financial resources and skills are not available.  Our mission is built on Judeo-Christian principles that value the dignity of the human person and gives preference to the poor and those without hope.

Volunteering for HCI

Team members are selected on the basis of their qualifications, the needs of the team and their ability to represent Hope Clinic International and the United States with the utmost of professionalism. Each participant becomes an ambassador not only for Hope Clinic International, but for all Americans. It is expected that all participants conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the mission of Hope Clinic International and that is sensitive to the cultural values of the Nicaragua people. Participants are expected to demonstrate responsible behavior that builds positive relationships, affirms the value of the individual and culture, contributes to respect for self and others, and brings hope to the poor.

Team Member Responsibilities

The Medical Team normally consists of a team leader, two to four physicians, translators, several nurses, medical students or other health care professional and pharmacy support staff. The team will  see between 60-100 children in a day.

The physicians must be willing to attend pediatric patients for generally minor acute care problems. More serious problems are referred to the local hospital in the towns we are working. We also request that physicians be willing to work with local physicians where we have the cooperation of a local provider of care.

The translators are assigned to work with any non Spanish speaking doctors or to the pharmacy. The translators do not need to know medical Spanish but must understand and translate colloquial conversational Spanish.

Nurses, medical students and other health care professionals that do not speak Spanish assist with intake, i.e. height and weights, blood pressure and temps, or in the pharmacy filling prescriptions. Non medical professionals normally work in the pharmacy or in the waiting room area helping entertain the kids while they wait.

More information about Hope Clinic International and How to Volunteer is available here.