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Leading a STM Medical Team


Mid Pre-Trip Tasks


Team Selection, Part II


The lab
By this phase of planning the Team Selection is generally completed. Exceptions would be to fill the spot for the occasional person who needs to drop off of the team unexpectedly, or filling an unfilled "specialist" position such as pharmacist, lab technician, health educator, etc. See the previous page, Team Selection, Part I, for additional information and a detailed discussion of Team Selection generally.


Generally teams are made up of a group of people from a particular sending organization such as a church, school, club, Bible study group, etc. The team then is able to meet together in team meetings, getting to know one another and learning together about the particular objectives of the trip. However, for various reasons, some teams have members who come from different parts of the country (or world). In these cases, the leader must go out of their way to "include" the out-of-the-area team members. Informational emails at this time (prior to team meetings) can help the out-of-area team member to feel welcomed and included. Once team meetings begin, including the out-of-area people by Skype or some other teleconference means can be helpful.


The Medical and Nursing Director positions (if needed) should be filled at this time. Generally these are filled by individuals who have had prior experience in medical short term missions and are interested and willing to act in a leadership position. The trip leader will rely on these people to help with planning and executing the medical work of the trip. As such, you will work closely with these individuals during the pre-trip planning for developing a plan for work flow of patients and personnel, team meeting training needs, supply needs, etc.


Prayer for the team is always helpful - initially that God would lead the right people to respond to the call, later that God would protect the individuals and the team as a whole from harm, division and unrest. Also, please be praying for those you will minister to and with.



Downloads available:

  1. Interview questionnaire
  2. STM Application for first time applicants
  3. STM Application for returning applicants



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