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A letter to scholarship applicants Thank you for your interest in the International Volunteers in Urology, Inc. (IVU) Resident Scholarship Program. You are probably aware that there are potential dangers and risks associated with volunteering in developing countries. They include possible exposure to infectious disease, injury while traveling or working at the volunteer site, natural disaster, political unrest, crime, acts of war or terrorism, kidnapping, and potentially unsanitary working or living conditions. Although the IVU Program will attempt to match you with a volunteer opportunity where these risks are minimized, the ultimate responsibility for your welfare lies with you. You will be required to sign the attached release from liability and agreement form. The release provides that you assume all risks associated with your participation and release IVU, The American Urological Association, and any other sponsors of the program and their respective officers and directors from responsibility for these risks. IVU strongly advises you to read the information available from the U.S. State Department (available at their website travel.state.gov) and the Centers for Disease Control Travelers Health (www.cdc.gov) regarding political and health related aspects of the proposed trip. Other information is available through numerous sites on the internet. You should also check with your university malpractice insurance. Although malpractice litigation is rarely an issue in developing countries, it is wise to inform your university of plans to study abroad and obtain the approval of the malpractice carrier. In addition, on request, many foreign government institutions will agree to be responsible and issue a hold harmless letter. IVU does not provide malpractice or any other type of insurance for you. Occasionally volunteers and students need to be evacuated from the sites where they are visiting. Evacuation insurance is available through several sources. It is the resident’s choice whether to obtain such insurance. However, IVU does not assume responsibility for evacuation in case of emergency. We suggest that you obtain such insurance through any of the following organizations: Access America International (800-284-8300), Air Ambulance Professional (800-752-4195), Gateway International (800-424-9801), International SOP Assistance (800-523-8930). We wish you a challenging, exciting and fulfilling experience and thank you for your participation.
Sincerely,
Sakti Das, M.D. International Volunteers in Urology, Inc. 757 E. South Temple, #110 Salt Lake City, UT 84102 Phone: (801) 524-0201
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