Health Volunteers Overseas grant
The Academy works with Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) to match interested dermatologists with overseas volunteer opportunities. View travel locations below. Through this program, volunteers train local health care providers, giving them the knowledge and skills to make a difference in their own communities. Academy-funded travel grants are available through HVO for those who have a confirmed HVO assignment.
Opportunities for dermatologists experienced in burn or wound care with HVO burn management or wound and lymphedema management programs also may be available.
Guidelines
The following are guidelines for an AAD travel grant:
Must be an Academy member
Volunteer time must be for a minimum of two weeks
Airfare is for the Academy member only, not accompanying family or staff
Applicant must have a confirmed assignment with HVO, complete with site selection and dates
Funding levels
Central America sites - $500
African or Asian destination - $1,000
Volunteer for HVO
Apply to volunteer and learn more about grants on the HVO website.
ApplyTo be considered for this travel grant, you must first complete the HVO volunteer application. Then, let the HVO Volunteer Placement Coordinator know of your interest in the AAD's grant program. HVO must have a copy of your itinerary, noting name of traveler, destination, and cost.
Once funding has been approved, a check will be issued to the volunteer. Should the assignment not happen, full reimbursement to HVO will be expected. If the assignment is shortened because of a situation beyond the control of the volunteer, no reimbursement is expected. If the volunteer decides to leave early for personal reasons, a prorated amount should be refunded to HVO.
Additional costs
Additional costs not covered by this travel grant are tax-deductible for US citizens. Complete the Financial Contribution Form on the HVO website to document additional costs. HVO will send you a letter acknowledging the additional expenses as a tax-deductible contribution to HVO.
For more information about any of the dermatology programs below, visit the HVO website.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia — National Dermatology Course and Preah Kossamak Hospital
Volunteers assist in the training of dermatology students, provide continuing education regarding current and new trends of dermatologic diagnosis and treatment, and provide training to nurses and physicians involved in dermatologic care. Volunteers must be board-certified or eligible and hold a current license to practice dermatology. Active or retired dermatologists are recruited. Assignments are two to three weeks.
San Jose, Costa Rica — University of Costa Rica
Volunteers assist in improving the academic dermatologic residency program through week-long, concentrated courses on various dermatologic topics. The volunteer schedule includes one to two hours of lecture time per day, attending ward rounds, and observing in clinic. Volunteers must be board-certified or eligible with a current license. Retired volunteers are considered. In addition to general dermatologists, subspecialists in dermatopathology and dermatologic surgery are welcome. This site is not appropriate for residents. Assignments are one to four weeks.
Kathmandu, Nepal — Dermatology Institute Skin Health and Referral Center, Nepal Medical College & Teaching Hospital, and Kathmandu Medical College & Teaching Hospital
Volunteers will act as mentors to young physicians seeking to develop expertise in pediatric dermatology and improve pediatric dermatology care in Nepal. Volunteers will also provide lectures and clinical training to residents and may also assist with faculty and staff training. Active or retired dermatologists with certification or special expertise in pediatric dermatology are recruited. Assignments are one to four weeks.
Mbarara, Uganda — Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Volunteers provide training and support of the dermatology residency program at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). Volunteers also provide training to medical students, general medical officers (general practitioners), clinical officers (physician assistants), and nurses. Active or retired dermatologists are welcome. Final-year residents may be considered for assignments. Assignments are two to four weeks.
Hue, Vietnam — Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Volunteers provide clinical and didactic instruction to update and broaden the skills and knowledge of the dermatology faculty at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy in a variety of diagnostic and treatment techniques, as well as work to develop nursing guidelines for skin diseases. Board-certified or eligible as well as active or retired dermatologists are welcome. Final year residents will be considered. Assignments are two to four weeks.
