Do you want to join the 2025 Rotaplast Mission?
Things you should know. The mission departs from San Francisco on March 8 and returns to San Francisco on March 23. You must travel with the group on this portion of the trip so that the equipment boxes can be counted as your second piece of luggage. This is done as a group booking through Rotaplast and will cost you approximately $1,200. You are responsible for your flights to and from San Francisco, you can use airline or credit card points if you have them, the cost is anywhere from $400 to $900 depending on when you book. You are welcome to add time before or after the trip. The hotel is included for double occupancy. Single rooms run about $850 for the 10 days. A breakfast buffet is included at the hotel daily, and lunch and snacks are provided at the hospital daily. There is a hospitality room at the hotel, a contribution of approximately $50 is suggested to provide evening snacks.
First priority is given to District 7930 Rotarians. At the top of the list are those who have not gone before, so that we can build enthusiasm throughout the district. The cost of the mission is $88,000 to be raised throughout the district. All Rotarians going on the mission are expected to help raise these funds. Sponsoring clubs should contribute at least one surgery ($800) or raise the equivalent.
The uniform of the mission is a blue blazer and khaki pants/capris/skirts. A Rotaplast polo shirt is given out at the airport upon departure. The Cebu Rotarians give us a white Rotaplast t-shirt. The “uniform” is worn on the flights so we can be identified as a group. On the pre-clinic and post-clinic days the polo shirt and khakis are worn. There is a casual welcome dinner, dress is business casual and a formal appreciation dinner the evening before departure where dress is dressy.
The jobs available to non-medical personnel are:
Quartermaster: The Quartermaster coordinates the moving of equipment and boxes from the United States to the host country and back again. S/he deals with customs agents, counting boxes and unpacking equipment on arrival and re-packing upon departure. The Quartermaster should be in excellent physical health, able to lift boxes that weigh 50 lbs and have the stamina to handle the transport of boxes and medical cargo.
Medical Records Keeper: The Medical Records Keeper must be a detail-oriented person, be computer literate and be able to work with Microsoft Excel. The responsibility for keeping track of all the records, including names of all children seen, procedures performed and final medical values, is handled by this individual. S/he must also make sure that all medical record forms are appropriately filled out by the medical team and complete the medical summaries after the mission is over. Approximately 2 hours of training in advance of the mission is provided and required.
Equipment Sterilizer: The Sterilizer makes sure the instruments are cleaned and sterilized as the surgeries progress during the day. The Sterilizer also ensures the instruments are counted and accounted for throughout the day so that no important medical equipment is left behind.
Photojournalist: The Photojournalist is responsible for recording the visual and personal stories of the missions. With a digital camera, a pen and curiosity, s/he will create a visual story for those watching from home that focuses on the color, drama and beauty of the fast-paced medical mission. S/he is expected to write a daily blog and post it to Wordpress. The blog is reviewed by the Rotaplast family, donors, the team’s friends and the general public to keep abreast of our missions in real time, and as a memoir throughout the year.
Knowledge of the local language is helpful in order to interview patients, hospital staff, officials and families. The Photojournalist also assists the Medical Records Keeper during Opening Day Clinic and will take “before” images on pre-clinic day for Medical Records.
Upon completion of the mission, the Photojournalists will provide Rotaplast with 150 to 300 of their best photos on the thumb drive provided by the Mission Director.
Ward Coordinator: The Ward Coordinator is in charge of preparing patients to be moved from the ward to the surgical area when requested by the Head Nurse. S/he checks that patients arrive at the hospital when scheduled. S/he arranges for patients to replace those who do not arrive or are disqualified for surgery. This volunteer works with the Pediatricians and brings any problems to their attention.
Patient Transport: The Patient Transport volunteer wheels patients to the pre-surgery area and, if possible, remains with the patient until s/he is taken to the Operating Room. H/She retrieves the patient from the Recovery Room and returns them to the ward. The Patient Transport volunteer may also function as the Recreation Therapist.
Recreation Therapist: The Recreation Therapist works either in the ward or in the pre-surgery area entertaining and occupying the time of our patients before surgery. S/he may read to the patients, help them with puzzles or art, engage them with magic or create other activities with the purpose of easing their anxiety.
Contact PDG Terry Rezendes Curran with interest or questions.