Volunteer work on Long Island?

How do we get a doctor to volunteer to work on our small island?

• I remember watching later seasons of ER where a couple of the doctors spent time in Africa treating the locals but I'm not sure how or why they chose that place. Does the Peace Corps arrange such things? Of course doctors can make more money in the West and on the mainland, but surely there's someone out there who wants to live simply and help desperate people. Here's more info: http://malapascua-news.blogspot.com/

• Answer:

  First, identify what you could provide a volunteer doctor. Could you provide him or her a safe, clean, secure place to see patients, where you can ensure equipment and materials will not be stolen? Could you provide medical supplies, or will these have to be brought by the doctor? Could you provide the volunteer doctor a safe, clean, quiet place to live, one with a comfortable bed and where the doctor can get peace and quiet outside of work hours? The village needs to be able to provide *something*, to show they are invested in this. Secondly, write down everything it is you want the doctor to do. Envision exactly what the doctor would, and would not, be expected to do. Write a proposal about how this village needs a doctor, what the doctor would be expected to do in terms of services provided, and what the village will provide the doctor. Go to your city and state officials and make sure they will accept a foreigner working in your village, and that they will help in some way (at least signing off on your final proposal). Papers will have to signed with the government to ensure you have the legal right to engage this volunteer. Together with the city and state officials, make a formal, written request to UN Volunteers (http://www.unvolunteers.org) and US Doctors for Africa (http://usdfa.org/) regarding your request for a volunteer doctor to come to your region. Much more advice at the URL below