Medical Educators for Latin America (MELA)
MELA Board Members:
Ashley Jacobson, MD. Carson R. Harris, MD. Jessica Sandberg, RN. Brooks Donald, MD. Paul Bartz, EMT-P. Peter Tanghe, MD. Sally Larsen, RN. Gordan hannigan-luther, MD. Matt Dill, EMT-P.
Providing patient care and provider education
MELA officially began in 2010 and consists of a group of healthcare providers and medical technicians dedicated to continuing education and improving life-saving skills for providers in Latin America. Our teams of medical professionals work hard to develop meaningful and strong relationships with NGOs with healthcare interests. We partner with those who are committed to improving the healthcare of their communities and countries.
Over 150 doctors, dentists, nurses, PAs, EMT-Paramedics, and others have signed up to participate in MELA activities.
Purpose:
Our goal is to provide education in Latin America through didactic and practical teaching. Additionally, we provide patient care and consultation in remote areas of Bolivia and donate medical supplies for clinic use.
MELA Conferences
MELA volunteer healthcare provider groups travel to Latin America to present a two- to three-day conference for physicians, nurses, and dentists. Local healthcare professionals request training on all medical topics to improve medical care in their communities. Our team comprises clinicians, educators, and interpreters and ranges from 6 to 20 individuals per trip.
Our conferences include lectures on various topics and practical, hands-on sessions that aim to enhance the training of local healthcare professionals.
Our Most Recent Trips:
April 19-21, 2024 — PreHospital Trauma Life Support Course
Educators: MELA-CDA Team - Tony Blasick, EMT; Scott Dietrich, EMT; Jamie Karamby, MD; Ann Lima, MD; Lauren Hansen, MD; Grant Hamilton, EMT; Ashley Christmann, MD.
November 3-5, 2023 — Advanced Trauma Management Course
Educators: Peter Tanghe, MD; Carson Harris, MD; Patty Telgener, RN; Paul Bartz, EMT-P; plus 4 Bolivian physicians in areas of OB, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, and Anesthesiology.
April 24-28, 2023 — XIV International Acute Care Conference
The Next Course
November 4-10, 2024: International Acute Care Conference XV
This course will involve topics on the management of acute illness and injuries.
Total Trip cost: Approximately $1500-$2000 (subject to change based on departure location)
Incorporating a side trip into your Bolivia travel plans is always a fantastic idea!
April 30, 2024 - Update
“We all want to change the world. ”