A medical mission challenges the practitioners' ability to work in a difficult physical environment. Practitioners' working with a multinational team, that may be coming together for the first time, must set aside case conference time to review not only the operative plan but contingencies or potential complications that may arise. Experienced Team leaders must prepare for the widest range of possibilities for the intended pediatric population by reviewing a detailed inventory of both equipment and supplies that will be needed. The practitioners must familiarize themselves with equipment that they normally do not use and supplies that may not be familiar with in everyday practice.
Preparation is the key to a successful mission.
All team members of the different disciplines need to be able to express concerns as it relates to the unknowns of past history, post operative care and recovery follow-up care. This includes realistic expectations as to the nature of the human condition, the limits of physical and mental toughness, and both the expressed and cultural agenda of the host country. Each team member must also be able to assist other team members in their duties, particularly in emergent situations. This true cooperation and equality is unique among the professionals who give of their expertise and time to care for the children. One area that is new to this arena is the use of Respiratory therapists' in the role of Anesthesiologists Assistants.