Trip Information for Jesus Maria

We will attempt to answer most of your basic questions here on this page. For a more detailed description of how to reserve your spot on a clinic trip, please download our "How to Reserve" PDF document now.

Your plane may depart from one of many different airports in the Orange County area. It is important to arrive at your designated airport at 6:00 a.m. sharp. Ask your pilot if there are any special parking instructions you need to follow, such as obtaining an overnight parking permit. All planes return on Sunday late afternoon to their departure airport.

To help on trips to the clinic at Jesus Maria, or other destinations in Baja California, and especially for first-timers, a basic checklist follows. Take note of an absolute necessity: keep your baggage weight to under 5 pounds and pack using a soft-sided bag. Our planes are weight sensitive and space is at a premium.

1. To schedule a trip, arrange with your specialty coordinator for an available date.
   
2. Attendance at the general meeting immediately preceding your clinic trip is highly recommended, particularly for first-timers.
   
3. Dress is casual but modest and professional at the clinic. Long pants, polo shirts, and sweaters or jackets are appropriate attire during cool weather. Walking shorts or equivalent are acceptable during warmer months. Absolutely no short shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops at the clinic. We are guests in Baja California, and Mexican customs call for modesty in our dress. Sturdy walking shoes or tennis shoes are a must. The clinic floors are concrete and the walk from the airstrip is in dirt.
   
4. As of January 2007, you must have a current passport to re-enter the US. If you are not a US citizen, a Mexican visa, acquired prior to the trip, will be required. Additionally, it’s good policy to bring your medical license.
   
5. Bring a breakfast or snack (finger food only) to eat during your flight Saturday prior to
   arrival at clinic. Lunch is typically provided at the clinic for a donation of a couple of
   dollars. Dinner and breakfast will be included in your room charge (summer), or available at a number of restaurants (winter) for an additional charge. Bring water, but keep it to a minimum. Bottled water and soft drinks are available at the market right next to the clinic.
   
6. Bring cash, small bills recommended. A tourist visa of approximately $20 is collected on your entry into Mexico. For lodging and food, during summer months bring $35 to $40 (more if you drink alcoholic beverages); winter months bring $50 to $60. Whale watching during February and March is an additional $50.
   
7. Remember, pack very light (5-lb max); no hard-sided bags; use a soft-sided duffel only. During summer, you may need a tightly rolled sleeping bag or other lightweight bedding. You'll be informed whether this is required at the meeting prior to the clinic weekend. Especially during summer months, bring sunscreen, bug-spray and a small flashlight.
   
8. Meet SHARPLY at 6:00 am Saturday morning at your designated airport. In case of emergency or if you are delayed, please be responsible: contact your pilot or the Trip Coordinator. Ask your pilot if there are any special parking instructions you need to follow, such as obtaining an overnight parking permit. All planes return on Sunday late afternoon to their departure airport.
   
9. Return will be Sunday around 5-6pm.

Most important of all -- have a great time!

Specialty Contacts:

Dental Coordinator: Don Wood

Interpreter Coordinator: Thelma Quinn

Nurse Coordinator: Aleni Campos

Optometry Coordinator: OPEN POSITION temporary contact: Aleni Campos

Pharmacy Coordinator: OPEN POSITION temporary contact: Ron Pennington

Physician Coordinator (NPs & PAs too!): Ron Pennington

Pilot Coordinator: Dean Williams

Support Coordinator: Christy Evans

Women's Clinic Coordinator: Kim Burtle

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