Leading a STM Medical Team

Mid Pre-Trip Tasks

Trip Objectives, Part II

By the end of this second phase of pre-trip preparation, that is, by the time the team meetings will begin, the Trip Objectives should be finalized. See the previous page, Trip Objectives, Part I, for additional information and a detailed discussion of Trip Objectives generally.

During this phase of trip preparation the leader will have completed the team selection (which often exerts a significant influence on the Objectives) and will have final discussions with the national host related to the Trip Objectives.

Key conversations to have relative to Trip Objectives include those related to expectations and desires of the host compared to the skill set of the team, and the financial, time, or other constraints that might be present. It is helpful to include the Medical and Nursing Directors in discussions at this stage.

Keep in mind that there can be significant cultural differences that may impact these discussions. Americans tend to be more direct in conversations of these kind than many other cultures, especially when the answer is "no." So be prepared to ask the same question from many different perspectives to absolutely clarify whether the host is really comfortable with proceeding in a certain way.

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