It is simple to become a ViVa Member. Just come to the next ViVa meeting.
Contact us for the details. ViVa has a selection committee
to review applications for service on Tanna. Terms are usually booked one or two years in
advance.
As of May 3rd, 2012, we have openings in the following time slots:
Feb - Aug 2013
Feb - Aug 2014
and onwards
Each ViVa family spends a period of six and one-half months in Vanuatu with an overlap of two weeks between families.
This makes the adjustment easier, and ensures that services in the hospital are not interrupted during the transition process.
Several months before traveling to Vanuatu, physicians and their families attend ViVa meetings, meet with families
who have already been to Tanna, and develop a sense for what they can expect and what the challenges and high points might be.
Families also study Bislama (pidgin English),
the most commonly spoken official language which is easy and fun to learn.
Prior to departure, physicians review relevant tropical medicine and diseases with the ViVa doctors in Victoria and
learn about the current Lenakel Hospital staff, facilities, and living conditions. Many local Victoria surgeons
and obstetricians generously donate their time to
train ViVa physicians in some basic emergency surgical skills. Once on Tanna, the physician can also refer to the
extensive and frequently updated field manual.
Photo by Dr. P. Henry 2000
Photo by Dr. C. Tamboline 2005