Frequently Asked Questions

1. What will my donation go towards?

All donations go towards fulfilling FPMM's mission of providing free medical services to underserved communities in the Philippines, such as by purchasing and shipping medical supplies to support the mission work at the upcoming mission. Supplies include: anesthesiology machines, needles, beds, sterilization equipment, medications, and more. 

2. What services are provided by the medical missionaries?

Below are the typical services provided during missions. However, services may be adjusted depending on capacity and volunteer availability. Details regarding each mission's services will be shared prior to the medical missions. 

   - Outpatient clinic which includes:

          Family Medicine/Internal Medicine

          Pediatrics

          Orthopedics

          Infectious Disease

          Patient Education (Diabetes)

          Physical and Occupational Therapies

   - Surgery:

          GYN (hysterectomy, tubal ligation)

          ENT (thyroidectomy/goiters)

          Plastics (cleft lip/palate)

          Minor surgeries

   - Eye clinic

   - Dental clinic, including extractions, dentures and fluoride treatments

3. How often do you go on medical missions?

We aim to host a full-service mission every 2 years. However, there may be additional medical missions scheduled depending on available resources.

4. How much does it cost to volunteer in one of the medical missions?

The donation for an individual volunteer is $300.00 USD and $200.00 USD for each additional family member. This fee covers the cost of daily needs such as local transportation, food, and lodging during the mission dates. Volunteers are also responsible for purchasing international and/or domestic airline tickets and other expenses prior to and after the mission dates, unless otherwise indicated.

5. What types of roles are needed?

   - Outpatient RN's

   - Diabetes educators

   - Occupational Therapists

   - Physical Therapists

   - Surgical, Pre-op and Post-op nurses (PACU)

   - Ancillary surgical support (scheduling, sterilization, transport, etc.)

   - Anesthesiologists and CRNAs

   - Dental professionals

   - Dental support staff (can be non-medical)

   - Eye Team support (non-medical)

   - Pharmacy staff (Pharmacist and non-medical support staff)

   - Mission coordination (security, patient flow, supplies, runners, etc.)

Volunteers for each medical mission are chosen based on need and capacity. Volunteers not chosen to join a medical mission may be chosen to join other future missions.

6. What can I do to help here (locally)? Are members required to go on medical missions?

FPMM members are not required to go on medical missions in the Philippines. Seventy percent of the mission work is done prior to even leaving for the mission. Fundraising, sorting medical supplies, and volunteering at events are all ways to help.

7. Can someone outside Minnesota volunteer for FPMM medical missions?

Yes! We have volunteers located in different states, although most of our volunteers are Minnesota-based. Virtual options are available for volunteers who are unable to attend volunteer meetings. In addition, you do not need to travel with the group to the Philippines for medical missions. For each mission, a specific meeting location in the Philippines and a date will be shared. 

8. How do I stay updated with FPMM news?

Make sure to sign-up to receive e-mail newsletters and regularly visit the FPMM website and social media accounts (@FPMMorg).