Volunteer

Volunteering with FIMA is a unique experience that challenges each practitioner to allow themselves to fully surrender to practice and avail themselves to the people they are treating. With FIMA, your ability to practice is encouraged in a way that fosters self involvement and self growth. Using your skills in the field, and being guided by the other practitioners' input, we encourage you to reach a point of self expression that embodies your internal intention to heal. These trips are more than just the administration of therapies - they are the chance to include yourself in your practice and allow you to work with people at a very human level while you deliver your services to people in need - it is a chance to give a part of yourself in the world. Human contact is very important, it reawakens the spirit.

Medical Trips

As part of your continuing education in medicine, what better way is there to learn about tropical medicine, enhance your skills in naturopathic medicine treating various diseases of a diverse nature, enrich the cultural sensitivity of your practice with knowledge of cultural issues that may come up in practice, and also deepen your clinical skills by working as a team with other doctors and naturopathic physicians.

The next group of naturopathic physicians will be taken by Dr. Ameet Aggarwal in a group maximum of 6 people. Practitioners are encouraged to apply soon to ensure proper preparations are made for you on this trip.

Excursions will include clinical rotations, follow ups, some cultural exposure to the coastal area of Kenya and likely observation time in surgery with a local community hospital. We likely will see some wildlife, depending on weather and group agreement. Please email ameet@organizedmedicine.org to discuss your trip.

Expenses for food, basic accommodation, travelling and organizational fees, including support towards continuing the project will be approximately $1800.00CDN for 1 month. Airline tickets should cost you between $1600 to around $2000. If you can bring extra medical supplies with you, that would be really helpful, including homeopathics, vitamins, etc.

Feedback

My experiences in Africa have been amazing. In just a few weeks (that flow by too fast!) I have learned so much about treating patients in an environment so different that the one I'm used to. I'm indebted to Ameet for his enthusiasm to teach, his clinical insights, and his supervision. which helped me grow as a naturopathic student and future ND. The counseling sessions were a fun way to learn interviewing/counseling skills and test clinical muscle. Thanks Ameet!
Irene Chang, 2nd year CCNM student volunteer.