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Packing List: I traveled in June, which is rainy season and also has humid temperatures. My list is not in any particular order except how I remember it. Umbrella or thin waterproof jacket: This is useful to get around, although you never travel in an open jeep. Get an umbrella that is small sized as your daily bag will otherwise get heavier. Gloves: Get a few boxes. Most places have gloves but may sometimes run out depending on supply. If you have left over, like I did, you can either give to the hospital or leave back in the Villa at Couples for the next volunteers to use. Ophthalmoscope and otoscope: Get small, lightweight portable ones. This is easily a must, if you want to get through clinic more efficiently. I used these nearly every day. There are a lot of versions available online, buy something which gives you a good deal with a sizeable stock of disposable ear nozzles. Most importantly it has to be extremely lightweight. Cross-body small purse: I used this to put my clinical equipment in – the eye and ear scopes, measuring tapes, extra nozzles, antibacterial gel, handkerchief and phone or other personal item. This was useful as one of the blog posts says don’t leave anything in the room as it may disappear. This method kept my hands free and my clinical tools available. Tourniquets: if you are used to them to do lab draws, most places don’t have any. They just tie a glove instead to obtain IV access. Easy tear surgical tape – they are in short supply occasionally. Most places are well stocked. Stethoscope(s), toys to attach to stethoscope or bubbles to pacify children. Laptop bag: I found my own laptop bag more convenient to use as it had more capacity to hold the books, water and lunch. Notebook: It is easier to keep a written running list as you complete charts, to send to Diane about patients seen every day. This does not need identifiers. I did not generally have time to log the patients in the laptop. I would do that after going back to the hotel. CDC and WHO growth charts – take them with you as you may need them Harriet Lane: There is one copy in the Villa. If you have more than one person going that month then better to have your own latest copy to use. I had data roaming on my cell phone but it only gave me 2G coverage, so the book was very important for me. Flu masks: keep a few if you may ever need them. Respiratory illnesses are prevalent. Small flashlight: To walk to and from the Villa after dark.

Jamaica! I can easily say that the Pediatrics rotation here was one of the best months during my residency. Looking back on my short time on the island, the one thing I remember and miss the most is the friendliness of the people. Issa Trust does an incredible job in coordinating and organizing these volunteer opportunities, which is no small feat when we cross country lines. The places we work at appreciate having assistance from the volunteer physicians and also guide us when needed about how to work in a completely different and new environment. When I first started thinking of packing for my Jamaica trip, I was worried about how the rotation will go. I am the first person from my residency program to have opted for this elective, and hence had no peer guidance available. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I would say that the guide that Ms Pollard sends you is pretty accurate about what to expect. Start planning a few months in advance. Go through the guide at one go, make mental or paper notes for yourself. If you are in a time crunch, use a notepad-like app on your smart phone – this keeps a packing and reminder list handy to add on to whenever you are inspired. I found this to be the most convenient way. Make sure you read the PDF again 1-2 weeks prior to departure, to go through the travel tips. The blog also offers a wealth of information. Once I started reading it, I could not stop. I wanted to know more, as most of it is practical and gives a good idea of what to expect in the clinical realm.