Medical Mission Ecuador USA 

What They Are and Why We Need Them

To protect patients and maintain professional standards, the Ecuadorian government requires proof of medical qualifications for anyone providing clinical care. This ensures that only licensed, trained professionals treat patients during our mission.

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In the past, some visiting groups allowed unqualified volunteers to perform medical procedures — something Ecuador strictly prohibits. Because of this, Ecuador has limited the number of missions it allows, and our ability to continue depends on full compliance with these documentation rules. If you will be treating patients, you must submit official Apostilled documents that verify your professional qualifications. If you are not providing patient care (for example, serving as a general volunteer, runner, or transporter), you can disregard this requirement.

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Who Needs an Apostille

You’ll need to provide Apostilled documents if you are a licensed or certified healthcare provider, including:
MDs, DOs, PAs, NPs, RNs, CRNAs, Therapists, Pharmacists, and similar professionals. If you work in a role that requires certification or licensure at home, you are on this list. Apostilles are valid for two years, so if you submitted them last year, you can simply send a copy (as long as it’s still current).

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List of who needs to turn in an Apostille set for 2026 (click here)

 

What Is an Apostille?

An Apostille is an official government authentication — essentially a state-certified notarization — used for international documents. It confirms that the person who signed or notarized your document is an official state authority (e.g., a notary public, secretary of education, or licensing board officer).

 

✅ Important: An Apostille does not verify your qualifications or license itself — it simply verifies the signature of the state official on your document.

 

Required Documents

Each healthcare provider must have the following documents Apostilled:

1. Diploma (medical, nursing, or other relevant degree)

2. CV or résumé (one page – summarize education and work history)

3. Professional license or certification (if applicable)

If you don’t have a professional license (e.g., scrub techs or assistants), provide your diploma or training certificate instead.

 

How to Get an Apostille

Here’s the process:

1. Prepare your document

   • Print your one-page résumé, diploma, or license copy.

   • Write and sign the following statement at the bottom:

      

     “I certify that the above information is true and this is my signature.”

   • Sign in front of a notary public, who will notarize it.

2. Get it Apostilled

   • Submit the notarized document to your state’s Apostille office (usually the Secretary of State).

   • You can find instructions by searching online for:

      

     “[Your State] Apostille Office”

   • Fees vary by state (for example, South Carolina charges $2).

3. Allow time for processing.

   • If mailing, expect several days to a few weeks.

   • If you live near your state capital, visiting in person is often faster.

 

Tips

• Store digital copies of all documents in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

• Keep backups of your passport and credit cards in the same secure place.

• Bring printed copies of your documents to Ecuador and leave one at home for safekeeping.

• Keep them — they’re good for two years and can be reused for future missions.

 

Submitting Your Documents

Please complete both steps below:

1. Upload your documents
Use this Google Drive link (Google login required):
👉 Upload to this Google Drive (make a folder with your last name and upload your documents - if not sure how, ask a friend or one of the kids!)

2. Email copies
Send the same documents as attachments to:
📧 medicalmissionecuadorUSA@gmail.com
Include a note in the email confirming that you also uploaded them.

 

This double submission ensures your documents are received and safely backed up.

 

Final Notes

• Apostilles must be recent (within the past year).

• High-quality scans or color photos are acceptable.

  • Ensure documents are flat, clear, and well-lit.

  • Avoid angled photos or cropped edges — unclear images will be rejected.

• Bring all originals or printed copies to Ecuador.

 

If you have questions, contact us at:
📧 medicalmissionecuadorUSA@gmail.com