By Michael Dorausch, D.C.
The CREW (Chiropractors Restoring Energy Worldwide) will be returning to Panama on January 31st, 2004. All year chiropractors email me and ask about this mission trip. A link for your registration form is below.
Of the many questions that I am asked, these are some of the most relevant.
1) How much does it cost? ($1200 – $1500)
The greatest cost will be time out of your office. However, you cannot compare it to the experience you’ll have in Panama. Airfare varies from state to state and country to country.
From what I checked on airlines I saw rates from Continental, Copa , & Delta at about $550.00 – $750.00 U.S. dollars. The airport you will fly into will be Panama City, Panama (PTY-Tocumen International)
Hotel costs are about $99 per day. If you have a roommate you can split that in half.
Food is very affordable in Panama (if you eat outside of the hotel). There are lots of great restaurants close to where we will be staying. I think you can do well on $1500.00 for the entire week. You’ll probably want to buy gifts for friends and family too.
2) Do we adjust only seated cervical?
Yes. Adjusting is focused on the upper cervical segments and there are no adjusting tables brought on the mission. Methods of adjusting the cervical segments can vary based on your education and technique but expect to be adjusting only the cervical spine.
3) Do we adjust all day?
No. After breakfast (7:30 am) you’ll be taken to the location where you will adjust that day. Expect to begin adjusting by 9:00 am and be finished by 1 or 2 pm depending on where you are stationed. After 2 pm you’ll meet up with the rest of the group, have lunch, relax, and enjoy Panama.
4) When should we arrive?
Plan to be in Panama on January 31st, which is a Saturday. Orientation is on Sunday and we begin adjusting on Monday (possibly Sunday depending on your location). Some doctors have come a few days early to view the sites. If you plan to do this please let Lina Ocon know you are in Panama. It is very important that Lina gets your itinerary regardless of when you are coming or leaving. Lots of transportation is provided for us by the Panamanian Government so this will benefit you.
5) Can students attend?
Yes. Students can attend but students are not permitted to adjust while on mission. All DCs must provide a copy of their current active license to practice chiropractic and Lina will require a copy.
6) Do we get paid?
No. Expect to pay your own way for everything. Meals, beverages, travel, hotel, etc… There are times when transportation will be provided or someone will offer to provide meals but don’t expect it. Plan to cover all your own expenses and you’ll do just fine.
7) Is this a religious mission?
Technically, no. The mission is not sponsored by any church and the doctors attending are of many different faiths. With that said, there are daily prayers and meditations that you are welcome to participate in.
8) How should I dress?
I have been to Panama many times. The first time I went I wore shorts and t-shirts. I noticed very few men wear shorts in Panama so on future missions I wore long pants while adjusting and changed later in the day. Something to consider… many of the folks coming to see you will put on their Sunday best when coming to get adjusted. It has been my experience that dressing nicely has a great affect on the whole experience.
9) How many chiropractors are going?
We expect 40 doctors this year. Many have been on previous missions but there is always room for some new faces. Plan to have the time of your life.
10) Send me an email if you have other questions. 🙂
I look forward to seeing you all in Panama.
planetc1.com-news @ 8:59 pm | Article ID: 1068008344
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