THIS FUNDRAISER HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND REFUNDS HAVE BEEN ISSUED.

Unfortunately we discovered that this program, along with many other similar programs in the United States, are taking advantage of less developed countries to provide these educational opportunities to high school students by violating ethical standards and sometimes laws of the host countries. While the experience would be beneficial to Melody, it would be exploiting vulnerable populations unbeknownst to them. We truly appreciate the support and donations that Melody has received, however, the fundraiser has been disabled and refunds have been issued. You should see refunds processed within 5 to 10 business days. Please let us know if you have any issues so we can ensure you receive your refund.

For more information on the questionable practices of these programs:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6634331/

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This year Melody was nominated as a Delegate of the Congress of Future Medical Leaders and attended the congress's conference in Boston, engaging with medical leaders, Nobel prize winners, and other inspirational speakers and learning about how to prepare for a career in medicine. Melody was also inducted into the Society of Torch and Laurel Honor Society while at the conference. 

It is through the Congress of Future Medical Leaders that Melody has an opportunity to travel in a program called FutureDocs Abroad. The program has established relationships with medical organizations in foreign countries and provides qualified honors students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel and learn with physicians in a hospital and other medical facilities, gaining real-life experience. In addition to time in a cadaver anatomy lab, observing surgeries, and shadowing physicians of various specialties and providing treatments, Melody will be able to witness situations and understand how medicine is practiced in other cultures with drastically different tools and resources in less developed countries than the United States. 

Vietnam and Tanzania are two countries that FutureDocs Abroad are traveling to in the summer of 2024. Melody will be traveling to Vietnam as one of 75 high school honors students selected from the nationwide Congress of Future Medical Leaders.

While Vietnam's government has made great improvement in healthcare over the past few decades, the country is challenged with HIV, tuberculosis, and global health security. Through worldwide partnerships, the country strives to build a healthcare system that is inclusive and addresses public health threats.

Melody is fundraising to help cover the cost of the program. Participation in the program cost $7,800 which covers all program costs, international travel, hotel accommodations, chaperones, meals, and international health insurance. Additional costs not included are trip insurance, airline baggage fees, vaccinations, and scrubs. 

This opportunity will allow Melody to contribute to the global health crisis, while also serving as a steppingstone to help her grow both professionally and personally. Thank you for considering donating to help Melody travel with FutureDocs Abroad and investing in her future in medicine!