How do
I become a volunteer?
- Check the schedule!
- Check the schedule to find a trip for which you would
be interested in volunteering. You can also see the clinics for which we are currently accepting registrations on the RAM Volunteer Website.
- Become a RAM Volunteer!
- The RAM Volunteer Website will allow you to enroll in our online system by clicking Become a RAM Volunteer.
- Login anytime to Register for Upcoming Clinics!
- Once you have registered online for one or more clinics, please watch for e-mail updates regarding those expeditions! You may also check the RAM Volunteer Website for updates.
- If you already have an account, simply Login anytime, then register for Upcoming Clinics for which we are currently accepting registrations. If a clinic listed on our schedule is not posted on the RAM Volunteer Website, we are not currently recruiting volunteers - please check back regularly for updates!
NOTE: Online registration requires you to list your state of health professional licensure, license number, and expiration date in order to complete enrollment and registration in the system.
What if I am not able to register for a specific expedition?
- If you are unable to register for a clinic once you have enrolled in the system, we have filled all available spaces for your field of expertise. If there is not space available you on a particular
expedition, please check back again for future expeditions. We have expeditions year round!
How do I learn details about an expedition once I have registered?
- Volunteers should receive an e-mail confirmation that their services are needed, along with other pertinent clinic information, within 4 weeks of the clinic you have chosen to attend. If you have not been contacted 4 weeks prior to the clinic you plan to attend, please send an e-mail to laurak@ramusa.org.
- Volunteers will be responsible for
transportation to and from the expedition
location. You will need to maintain contact with RAM
to check the status of the expedition, and to
acquire necessary information regarding clinic details.
*** Note: Refer to the Volunteers and Expeditions pages
for more details on what to expect as a volunteer.
I called RAM headquarters
but did not receive a return call.
- This happens occasionally, due to the heavy volume
of correspondence. It is the responsibility of the
volunteers to stay in touch with headquarters. Please
call back if you have not received all of the information
that is needed to prepare for an expedition.
I have a pilot's license.
Is there a need for my services?
- Pilots are required on many RAM expeditions. We
need the services of those who own their own plane
and are willing to donate their services. If you are
a pilot, have your own plane, and are willing to
help out with expeditions, both domestic and abroad,
please contact us. We have a great need for your services.
I'm a dentist and would
be interested in working with RAM. When and where do
you need dentists?
- We need dentists on all of our expeditions, both domestic
and abroad, unless otherwise specified.
What are the qualifications?
- All health care practitioners wishing to volunteer must have a current, valid
medical license. For U.S expeditions, you must be
licensed in the United States.
NOTE: Online registration requires you to list your state of licensure, license number, and expiration date in order to complete enrollment and registration in the system.
Please describe the
working conditions.
- Volunteering with RAM is not your typical 9 to 5 workday and requires a commitment to hard work. In the U.S., the
conditions can be austere, and at times harsh. Volunteers should plan to wear comfortable shoes. General sleeping quarters
and bathing can be minimally comfortable at best. Situations are somewhat more hospitable for U.S.
expeditions than for international expeditions (see below).
- You should expect working conditions for international expeditions to be more austere than those described above. Some RAM expeditions
go to areas where there is civil unrest, or the possibility
of encounters with unexpected natural elements. The
conditions are often harsh. Volunteers should plan to wear comfortable & appropriate shoes. General sleeping quarters
and bathing can be minimally comfortable at best.
Sleeping quarters may be your tent, bathing
can be the closest river, food is minimal and usually
bad. Be
sure to ask the RAM office if your expedition may
face any unusual situations. Situations are somewhat more hospitable for U.S.
expeditions. **When
volunteering for medical expeditions outside
the United States,
a significant lead time is necessary
to clear credentials with immigration.
Volunteers for
these trips are urged to
contact RAM by phone at 865-579-1530.**
What are the costs involved?
- Volunteers are responsible for their own travel and accommodations.
Occasionally, local host communities may secure discounts for RAM Volunteers - please ask before making arrangements. Food is usually (but not always) provided. For domestic expeditions, meals are provided on-site. As always, check with RAM Headquarters before making travel plans. You may contact laurak@ramusa.org with questions regarding specific expeditions.
Are there age restrictions?
- The expeditions are very physically demanding, but
if you still have the desire and the ability to "kick
up your heels" and work long, hard hours, we would
love to have you. Our volunteers are all adult ages.
May
teenagers volunteer, too?
- If you would like to bring your teenaged
child with you to a domestic expedition, please note that RAM Expeditions are not appropriate places for children under the age of 14 and that no one under the age of 18 will be allowed to be in areas where they may be subjected to blood-borne pathogens and/or confidential patient information. For 14 and 15-year-old teens, parents should be able to supervise them at all times - if you are a physician, dentist, or other health practitioner please understand that this may mean that another parent will need to attend in order to supervise the child. For 16 and 17-year-old children of a physician, dentist, or other health practitioner, a parent should be on-site at all times teens are present. *Please contact us if you plan to bring your teenaged child to an expedition!
- If you are interested in bringing your teenaged child with you on an international expedition, please contact RAM.
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