PERSONAL PREPARATION FOR OVERSEAS WORK

Travel Preparation Checklist

See attached Checklist created for UW pediatrics residents

- ensure that any non-UW person accompanying you also has health insurance with medical evacuation coverage!

TRAVEL HEALTH AND SAFETY

• http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx– CDC Travel Health Website
  • Please check CDC website for special recommendations if you plan to travel with children, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have altered immunocompetence at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentVaccinations.aspx.
  • http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentYellowBook.aspx – CDC’s Yellow Book – which provides downloadable information on counseling travelers
• http://www.who.int/ith/en/ – WHO downloadable publication on International Traveling
• http://www.iamat.org/   – nonprofit organization that provides travel information to members (membership is free) including a directory of

IAMAT physicians to travelers to participating physicians, specialists, clinics, and hospitals in 125 countries. Telephone numbers are included.

• http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1180.html – Travel and Safety tips

UW Resources

• http://depts.washington.edu/travmed/ – UWMC Travel Clinic – great practical travel tips and travel precautions
• http://depts.washington.edu/hhpccweb/ – Hall Health Travel Clinic
• http://www.washington.edu/admin/finmgmt/globalsupport/traveling_abroad.html#add_ins – UW Global Support Project information on Travel insurance/safety

COMMUNICATION

• http://www.business.att.com/bt/access.jsp?c=a – Country phone access codes

TRANSPORTATION

• http://www.airportcitycodes.com/ – Airlines, airports, and distances between points

MISCELLANEOUS

• http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic Currency converter
• http://www.weather.com/ – weather
• http://www.qppstudio.net/worldholidays.htm – World holidays

THINGS TO Consider PACKING

A. WHAT TO BRING (Africa):

i.          For Clinical care:

• White coat and stethoscope.
• Otoscope and ophthalmoscope (these are very hard to come by)
• Consider inquiring about supplies, small equipment, books that would be useful for you to bring and leave

ii.  Documents:

1. WHO International Vaccination Records Card

i.      Make sure vaccinations are up to date. Visit SOS International Website for more information

iii.      Health

1. Malaria Prophylaxis
   1. Check CDC for recommendations by geographic location
   2. Ensure access to mosquito nets as appropriate
   3. Copies of your prescriptions
   4. Inquire about plan for post-exposure prophylaxis in case of HIV exposure (e.g. inadvertent needle sticks)
   5. Antibiotic course for traveler’s diarrhea

iv.     Personal

1. U.S. $
2. Just for emergencies while traveling. $200 should be plenty.
   1. Snacks you’ll miss or can’t live without.
   2. Transformer
      1. Most electronics now automatically convert to both 110V (U.S.) and 220-240V (Kenya).
      2. CHECK YOUR ADAPTER’S VOLTAGE RATINGS BEFORE PLUGGING INTO A ELECTRICAL OUTLET!!!
      3. If you need to bring something that doesn’t work on 220-240V, it’s best to bring a transformer. It doesn’t matter what the plug is since you can get the
      4. Journal
      5. Sunscreen, DEET, replacement contact lenses and solutions, sunglasses
      6. Alarm clock
      7. Flashlight or head-lamp might be handy
      8. Comfortable walking shoes
      9. Check weather reports to dress appropriately.
      10. Dress code: Most clinical settings are formal – men may bring a tie
      11. Digital camera – Extra memory cards, batteries
      12. A flash drive is also very useful for transferring information.
      13. A country guidebook can be very useful.
      14. Working knowledge of language & phrase book
      15. Communication: International calling card
      16. Consider: Photos of your world (family, friends, pets, home, city, etc.)