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 Panama Would You Like to Join the Floating Doctors in the field? Panama Would You Like to Join the Floating Doctors in the field?
Thank you for your interest in joining the Floating Doctors in Panama. Floating Doctors grew out of the efforts
of volunteers and we continue to rely on volunteer support to accomplish our mission. This packet will provide
you with the information necessary to begin your application to join us.
Enclosed are an application form, medical waiver and history form, and emergency contact sheet. We ask that
you review the information within this packet carefully, complete the required documentation, and submit it
through our website on our Volunteer Page.
During your application process, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
with any questions. Your willingness to share your skills with Floating Doctors and the communities where we
work is invaluable. In return, we can promise you the opportunity to experience the trip of a lifetime, the
chance to travel within Panama, improve your Spanish, and hone your clinical and tropical medicine skills
while positively impacting the lives of the people you will meet.
Enclosed:
1. Who Can Apply
2. Groups
3. Length of Stay
4. What to Expect
5. Costs
6. Application Process
7. Application Requirements
8. Vaccination Requirements
*Medical History
*Emergency Contact
*Waiver
*On Camera Release Form
1. Who Can Apply
While we aim for a variety of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, we accept anyone with a
positive attitude, a willingness to work hard, and a desire to help others. Please familiarize yourself with our
programs and clinic locations on our website at www.floatingdoctors.com. As you prepare your application,
please consider the skills and abilities you may bring to our mission, regardless of the certifications you may
hold.
2. Groups
Floating Doctors regularly hosts groups from schools, hospitals, Rotary/Service clubs, etc. Each group member
will be required to provide individual documentation as per the appropriate headings listed for individual
applicants (Provider, Student, Non-Medical.) In addition, we ask that a group application also be submitted so
that we can confirm availability for the group size and begin to plan the schedule surrounding the group’s
arrival.
For every eight (8) volunteers, Floating Doctors requires the group to have a minimum of one (1) group leader,
who will be responsible for making sure information is disseminated to group members and will be the primary
contact for the group.
Please note: For every five (5) medical student volunteers, we require a minimum of one (1) licensed physician
to join the group. For every five (5) nurses or nursing students, we need a minimum of one (1) licensed Nurse
Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or physician.
3. Length of Stay
Through the years, we have found that it takes at least ten (10) days to get acquainted with our operations and
comfortable with our processes. Volunteers who stay longer are able to work at their highest capacity and get a
much richer experience.
During the months of June, July, August, and September, we require the following types of volunteers to stay a
minimum of three (3) weeks:
• Allied Health Professionals
• Students in the Healthcare Field
• Non-Medical Volunteers
Groups and Healthcare Providers are not included in this requirement. If you are unsure if we will require a
three-week stay from you, please email [email protected].
Once you have submitted all your paperwork and have received notification that your application has been
received and processed, you may begin making travel arrangements.
All volunteers are required to join us on a Sunday. This is usually a non-clinic day for us, and doing so helps
ensure we have someone to meet you when you arrive. Additionally, we require all volunteers to attend an
orientation, held every Sunday evening, prior to living and working with us. Should you arrive into Bocas on a
different day, you will be responsible for your own accommodations until you meet begin working with us the
following Sunday.
Please maintain contact with Floating Doctors throughout your planning process to ensure that we are aware of
you arrival and departure times, as well as to be sure there is space available during your desired stay.
4. What to Expect During Your Stay
While working with the Floating Doctors team, you will participate in all aspects of our operations. Successful
volunteers are flexible and able to take charge of their individual projects as well as willing to jump in to help
others.
There are a variety of ongoing projects that form the core of the Floating Doctors presence in Bocas.
All volunteers are expected to participate fully in all of these activities:
1. Mobile clinics: about 3 times per week the Floating Doctors board our launch boat and head out to a
rural clinic site. We usually set up the clinic and start seeing patients by 9AM and finish up around 4
PM in time to return to Floating Doctors housing before dark. During clinics, physicians, nurse
practitioners, and other advanced specialist nurses acted as our providers. Allied health professionals
and non-medical volunteers will triage patients, working in the pharmacy, and assisting the providers in
the clinic. These clinics provide an invaluable experience of seeing unusual disease presentations and
advanced cases of conditions that are treated earlier in the developed world.
2. Multi-Day clinics: about twice a month, the Floating Doctors team runs multi-day clinics in the larger
communities that we service. These clinics provide our volunteers with a wonderful opportunity to get to
know the community that they are working in beyond the boundaries of a clinical setting. You will be
sleeping, eating, and working along side the community members you are treating, which allows for
engagement and conversation that is informative and fun for both volunteers and residents. Sleeping
accommodations range from outdoor ‘ranchos’ with hammocks to enclosed concrete building floors so
bring an open mind and can of bug spray!
3. Asilo: The Asilo is a geriatric live-in facility in downtown Bocas. This government-funded facility
serves people suffering from mental or physical illnesses. The Floating Doctors make regular visits to
provide medical attention and companionship to the residents.
4. Boat maintenance: Working with boats means there is a constant list of maintenance projects to be done,
including cleaning, sanding, constructing and repairing old parts. All volunteers are expected to take
part in these projects.
Each volunteer brings his or her own strengths. We encourage thinking about the type of project you want to
accomplish before you arrive so that you are able to jump right in and effectively use the time you spend in
Panama. We have had a variety of smaller projects conducted by volunteers.
1. Health Education: First-aid education for local firemen and sailors
2. Natural Medicine: Ethnobotany projects with local medicine men
3. Public Health: Public health research projects and data collection
Typical Weekly schedule:
Sunday
Monday
Off, New
Mobile
Arrivals,
Clinic
Orientation (9-4)
Tuesday
Projects and
Asilo visit
in morning
Wednesday
Mobile
Clinic
(9-4)
Thursday
Projects and
Asilo visit
in morning
Friday
Mobile
Clinic
(9-4)
Saturday
Day off
(rarely, there is
some work on
Saturday for a
few hours)
*Be aware that this is just one example of a week in the life of floating doctors. Typically, there is a multi-day
clinic every other week. Floating Doctors maintains a fluid schedule to allow for efficient, effective use of its
resources.
Accommodations:
Typically there are two options of housing; however, due to ongoing renovations on the Southern Wind (the
main sailboat) all volunteers will be staying in the warehouse apartments. As a volunteer organization, the
accommodations that we provide are basic. The rooms are set up for dorm-style living. Each room has several
twin beds, a bathroom equipped with a shower, sinks and toilet, and a small kitchenette with dishes, utensils, a
stove, a refrigerator and a freezer. There are typically 3 or 4 volunteers per room, sometimes more. If you are
traveling in a group we will do our best to accommodate your group’s wishes regarding roommates, although
we cannot promise this. Occasionally when we have more volunteers then we can fit in the apartments or on
The Southern Wind some people will stay at a local hotel or hostel. They are always clean, well maintained
accommodations. Amenities will vary.
5. Costs
Working with Floating Doctors is a unique experience. As a volunteer-based charitable organization, Floating
Doctors requires a donation to cover the costs associated with your stay:
For one week of stay- $550
For two weeks- $500 per week ($1000 total)
For three weeks- $450 per week ($1350 total)
For four or more weeks- $400 per week of stay
There is a $25 application fee that helps offset some of the administrative costs associated with running a
volunteer program. This will be applied to the full cost of your stay.
Your full donation, or your first month if staying longer than one month, is required prior to your arrival in
Bocas del Toro. You will not be permitted to stay with Floating Doctors unless your donation has been made.
Please contact Jolie LaBrot at [email protected] if this is not a possibility.
Your donation can be made by selecting the “Donate Once” button on our website, www.floatingdoctors.com,
and providing a note indicating that you are volunteering with us. If you prefer to donate in cash, contact
[email protected] to organize this.
Please note: Your $25 application donation is non-refundable. Should you be unable to join us, any donation in
excess of the application donation may be refunded if a request is submitted by email within 60 days of the
donation or one week prior to your start date with Floating Doctors, whichever comes first. Otherwise, your
donation may be applied to a future volunteer stay.
Your donation will cover the following:
• Lodging
• Medicines
• Clinic Transportation
• Multi-Day Clinic Food
• Bed Linens and Pillows
• Access to Wi-Fi
There are some items that will come at an additional cost to you. We recommend you estimate approximately
$50 per week for your additional expenses, though it is certainly possible to spend much less.
**You are responsible for the following costs:
• Airfare/Transportation to/from Bocas del Toro, Panama
• Non clinic-related Transportation
• Your own travel health insurance
• Laundry (Facilities are Available)
• Extracurricular Activities (Floating Doctors volunteers are eligible for some great discounts!)
• Phone Service (you are not required to carry a phone, though some find it very helpful. Cell phones
with pay-as-you-go minutes are readily available throughout Panama.)
We cover the costs of transport and day clinics, as well as accommodations and food on all multiday clinics.
However, there are a few destination clinics that we combine with an amazing adventure for everyone after our
clinical work is over. There is a small additional cost per volunteer for the fuel and food for the recreational
portion of this deployment, therefore this clinic is optional if people are unable or unwilling to pay the
additional cost for the recreational excursion we organize afterwards. Activities at the Asilo and doing followup will be available for voluntary non-participants in these excursions.
6. Application Process
1. Required Documents are collected and submitted on our Volunteer Page.
2. Initial donation of $25 (which is counted towards your total donation for the duration of your stay) is
submitted via our website (http://floatingdoctors.com/volunteer-contributions/) to begin application
process.
3. Floating Doctors notifies you of receipt of completed application and approves your requested
timeframe.
4. Floating Doctors begins processing your information for the Ministry of Health (you may now begin
making travel arrangements.) Floating Doctors will send helpful documents to review (treatment
guidelines, information on travel, practicing medicine in Bocas, etc.)
5. Once travel arrangements are set, email a copy of your itinerary to [email protected].
6. Your full donation, or your first month if staying longer than one month, is required prior to your arrival
in Bocas del Toro. This can processed through the Floating Doctors website
(http://floatingdoctors.com/volunteer-contributions/).
7. Welcome aboard!
7. Application Requirements
Those interested in volunteering with Floating Doctors are required to submit several items for review. Once
you have collected ALL of your required paperwork, please submit them on our Volunteer Page.
Files MUST be saved in PDF format and labeled correctly for us to process your paperwork and should be
named as follows: Lastname_Firstname_Document (ex: Smith_John_Diploma)
A donation of $25 is requested to begin your application process. This donation will be counted toward your
overall donation for the duration of your stay and will assist us in advance processing your documents through
the Panamanian Ministry of Health.
*Note: If your documents are not scanned clearly, are blurred, or names/numbers cannot be read clearly,
your application will not be approved. Please double check the clarity of your documents prior to
submission.
Document Requirements—Please check carefully!
For Licensed Medical Providers (Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Advance Practice
Nurses)
Needed For Submission to the Panamanian Ministry of Health **
• 1 COLOR copy of your passports photo page
• 1 COLOR copy of your healthcare license (NOTE: Your license MUST be valid throughout the time
you volunteer with us)
• 1 copy of your resume
• 1 COLOR copy of your diploma
Needed For Floating Doctors
• 1 letters of recommendation
• Medical History Form and Waiver completed
For Allied Health Professionals (Nurses, Physical Therapists, EMTs, etc.)
Needed For Submission to the Panamanian Ministry of Health **
• 1 COLOR copy of your passports photo page
• 1 COLOR copy of your healthcare license (NOTE: Your license MUST be valid throughout the time
you volunteer with us)
• 1 copy of your resume
• 1 COLOR copy of your diploma
Needed For Floating Doctors
• 1 letters of recommendation
• Medical History Form and Waiver completed
For Students in the Medical Field (Medical, Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistance, Physical
Therapy, Public Health, etc.)
Needed For Submission to the Panamanian Ministry of Health**
• 1 COLOR copy of your passports photo page
1 copy of your resume
1 COLOR copy of your school identification
1 COLOR copy of any healthcare license that you may have (this is not a requirement but many
students hold licenses such as EMT)
Needed For Floating Doctors
• 1 letter of intent outlining what you feel you would give to a program such as ours as well as what you
feel you would take away from the experience
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Medical History Form and Waiver completed (attached)
•
•
•
For Non-Medical Volunteers
Needed For Floating Doctors
• 1 letter of intent outlining what you feel you would give to a program such as ours as well as what you
feel you would take away from the experience
• 3 letters of recommendation
• 1 COLOR copy of your passports photo page
• 1 copy of your resume
• Medical History Form and Waiver completed (attached)
** Please note that submission of paper work for approval by the Panamanian Ministry of Health may take up
to 60 days. Please send all documents no later than 2 months prior to your arrival in Panama. Exceptions may
be made but are not guaranteed. Please email [email protected] if you are a licensed medical provider
and would like to join us in less than 60 days.
8. Vaccination Requirements To participate in our project, you will need vaccination coverage for Panama. For up to date information on
your vaccination requirements, please see the Center for Disease Control’s website at
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/panama.htm.
Typically, the following vaccines (which many people have had in childhood) are required to be current:
• Chicken pox
• Polio
• MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella)
• DPT (Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus)
The following vaccines are usually recommended by the CDC for Panama:
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B *NOTE: This vaccination takes three injections over several months; it is not required for
entry into any country, but we require that the series has at least been started prior to your arrival)
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever
• Rabies
Lastly, there is Malaria in Panama. Fortunately, Bocas is not considered a high-risk region. We do not require
Malaria prophylaxis, but leave the decision up to you the individual volunteer. Vaccinations and prescriptions
for Malaria prophylaxis can be arranged either through your own GP physician or any Travel Health clinic. The
best defense is to not get bitten (use appropriate insect repellent when necessary; available here in Bocas at
multiple locations).
Please ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. If you are missing vaccinations, it is unsafe to travel in
regions where these diseases are endemic and you will not be allowed to volunteer with the Floating Doctors.
Some vaccinations, such as Hepatitis B, require three injections given over several months, so plan well in
advance to have your shots in order.
Medical History and Emergency Contact
Volunteer crew members are required to declare any previous history:
____Back injuries or back pain
____Heart Disease
____Diabetes
____Lung Disease
____Hernia
____Broken or dislocated limbs, shoulders, hips, fingers, etc.
____Allergies, food or diet restrictions, substance sensitivities (smoke, noise, dust, etc)
PLEASE SPECIFY:_____________________________________________________________________
____Severe seasickness
____Alcoholism, drug dependence
____Other injury or disease that may be aggravated by or affect performance of duties
If any of the above conditions are checked, please describe the condition, circumstances, treatment, and
current status:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
If you are on ANY medications (prescription or otherwise) please list the names, dosage and indications:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Travel Health Insurance (Please Provide Company Name and Policy Number):
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Other Considerations:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact:
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Relationship: ______________________________________________________________________________
Phone (Including area code and International code): _______________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________
FLOATING DOCTORS MEDICAL MISSION
RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
In consideration of being allowed by Floating Doctors to participate in its medical mission abroad, as a volunteer, I
hereby acknowledge on behalf of myself, and my agents, heirs, successors and assigns, that my participation with Floating
Doctors may involve significant risks to my health, body, and life, including the potential for permanent disability, illness, and
in some cases, death. I acknowledge and understand that there are inherent dangers associated with visiting and/or living in a
foreign country, and I have informed myself of these potential dangers, and have familiarized myself with the U.S. Department
of State’s "Country Specific Information" relating to Panama, and if applicable, relating to any other country I may visit while
volunteering with Floating Doctors. Specifically, I acknowledge that I have familiarized myself with the U.S. Department of
State’s warnings about Threats to Safety and Security , Crime , Criminal Penalties , Medical Facilities and Health
Information , Medical Insurance , Traffic Safety and Road Conditions , and Aviation Safety .
Additionally, I understand and acknowledge that there are inherent dangers associated with traveling in, and between
foreign countries, including but not limited to risks and dangers associated with traveling in light airplanes or seagoing vessels;
the possibility that adequate medical facilities may be unavailable should I require them; terrorism; piracy; violence; banditry,
political unrest or guerilla activity; and, unsanitary health condition and exposure to disease (i.e., hepatitis, malaria, cholera,
polio, rabies, and others). Furthermore, I understand that there are other potential risks that I may face while volunteering with
Floating Doctors. These risks may include, but are not limited to exposure to dangerous terrestrial or marine life, injury aboard
our seagoing vessels during heavy weather or while maneuvering/anchoring/docking/fueling, burns and chemical injury, fishing
injures, and injuries from repair or maintenance work.
With this knowledge in mind, I freely and voluntarily assume such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising
from the negligence of Floating Doctors [A California Corporation] and its agents, employees, attorneys, officers and directors,
assigns, and successors. ("Released Parties").
On behalf of myself, and my agents, heirs, successors and assigns, I FURTHER AGREE to, and DO RELEASE,
HOLD HARMLESS, AND INDEMNIFY AND AGREE TO DEFEND THE RELEASED PARTIES FROM AND AGAINST
ANY AND ALL DAMAGES, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, OR EXPENSES, INCLUDING CLAIMS FOR WRONGFUL DEATH,
PERSONAL AND BODILY INJURY (INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY OR PARALYSIS), OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE, ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: (1) ANY ORDINARY OR GROSS
NEGLIGENCE BY ME OR BY ANY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES, (2) ANY WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR
INTENTIONAL TORT COMMITTED BY ME, OR (3) ANY STRICT LIABILITY THEORY UNDER WHICH I OR ANY
OF THE RELEASED PARTIES MIGHT BE LIABLE FOR SUCH DAMAGES, CLAIMS, DEMANDS OR EXPENSES.
Each instance of my voluntary work with Floating Doctors shall constitute my ratification and re-affirmation of the
previous provision releasing, holding harmless, indemnifying, and agreeing to defend the Released Parties. I FURTHER
AGREE, ON BEHALF OF MYSELF, AND MY AGENTS, HEIRS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS THAT I WILL NOT
SUE OR MAKE ANY CLAIM AGAINST FLOATING DOCTORS OR ANY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES
CONCERNING ANY INJURY OR DAMAGE (INCLUDING WRONGFUL DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE) RELATING TO, RESULTING FROM, OR ARISING OUT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN THE FLOATING
DOCTORS MISSION. Additionally, I waive the right to any notice of defects, latent or patent, or dangerous conditions,
reasonable or unreasonable, which may exist at any of the premises possessed by Floating Doctors.
I ALSO AGREE, and do, hereby, release and forever discharge Floating Doctors and Released parties of any and all
claims and demands, of whatever kind or nature, known or unknown, arising from or connected to, in any way whatsoever, any
first aid, medical treatment, or services rendered me during my participation with Floating Doctors. I understand and agree that I
am not an employee of Floating Doctors, and that Floating Doctors is not my medical care provider, and has made no such
representation. My work is voluntary only. I understand and agree that Floating Doctors is under no obligation to provide, and
does not provide, workers’ compensation, or malpractice insurance, nor any other employee benefits of any kind.
I ALSO AGREE, notwithstanding the termination or expiration of this Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk,
the covenants herein to indemnify, hold harmless, defend and release the Released Parties shall expressly survive the
termination of this agreement, the same are severable, and that but for my agreement to indemnify, hold harmless, defend and
release certain parties as set forth herein, Floating Doctors would not allow me to participate as a volunteer in their Medical
Mission.
I ALSO UNDERSTAND that this agreement is a binding legal document that affects my legal rights and remedies.
Additionally, I understand that my spouse, children, heirs, representative, successors, and assigns are bound to the terms of this
agreement. I understand and agree that this agreement is intended to be interpreted as broadly and inclusively as permitted under
the laws of the State of California, and that any ambiguities related to the interpretation of this agreement that may arise in the
future, will be resolved in favor of Floating Doctors
I understand and agree that if any clause, sentence or provision of this agreement shall be held to be invalid or
unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the unenforceability or invalidity of such clause, sentence or provision
shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms. I understand and agree that the terms of agreement are
contractual and are conditions precedent to my participation in the work of Floating Doctors and not mere recitals. I understand
this agreement may only be modified in writing by both Floating Doctors representative and myself, and may not be modified
orally.
COMPULSORY BINDING ARBITRATION
I ALSO AGREE that any claim, dispute, or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement, or otherwise in
connection with my work as a volunteer with Floating Doctors, or my organization/group’s relationship with Floating Doctors
(including, without limitation, any such claim, dispute, or controversy arising under any federal, state, or local statute,
regulation, or ordinance) shall be resolved solely and exclusively by binding arbitration. The arbitration shall be held in the city
of Los Angeles, in the state of California (or at such other location as shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties).
Additionally, I agree that all fees and expenses of the arbitration, including a transcript if either requests, shall be borne equally
by the parties. If Floating Doctors prevails as to any material issue presented to the arbitrator, I agree and promise to furnish the
entire cost of such proceedings (including, without limitation, Floating Doctor’s reasonable attorneys' fees) to Floating Doctors.
If Floating Doctors does not prevail as to any material issue, each party will pay for the fees and expenses of its own attorneys,
experts, witnesses, and preparation and presentation of proofs and post-hearing briefs (unless the party prevails on a claim for
which attorneys' fees are recoverable under applicable state law, Federal law. Any action to enforce or vacate the arbitrator's
award shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, if applicable, and otherwise by applicable state law. If I pursue any
claim, dispute, or controversy against Floating Doctors in a proceeding other than the arbitration provided for herein, Floating
Doctors shall be entitled to dismissal or injunctive relief regarding such action and recovery of all costs, losses, and attorneys'
fees related to such action.
I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK. I FURTHER
STATE THAT I UNDERSTAND THAT I, ON BEHALF OF MYSELF, MY AGENTS, HEIRS, SUCCESSORS AND
ASSIGNS, HAVE GIVEN UP MY RIGHT TO SUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND
ASSUMPTION OF RISK.
VOLUNTEER SIGNATURE_____________________________________________DATE___________
PRINT NAME AND ADDRESS______________________________________________________________
ON CAMERA RELEASE FORM
In consideration of my engagement on camera, upon the terms hereafter stated, I hereby grant Floating Doctors and/or its
agents and their respective licensees, successors and assigns, the absolute right and permission to copyright and use,
reuse and publish, and republish still photography or video footage of me or in which I may be included, in whole or in
part, without restriction as to changes or alterations, from time to time, in conjunction with my own name, or reproductions
thereof otherwise made through any media now known or to be devised for documentary, promotional, artistic, marketing,
trade or any purpose whatsoever.
I also consent to the use of any printed matter in conjunction therewith. I hereby waive any right that I may have to inspect
or approve the finished product or products that may be used in connection therewith or the use to which it may be
applied. I hereby, release, discharge and agree to save harmless, Floating Doctors and/or its agents and their respective
licensees, successors and assigns, and all persons acting under its permission or authority or those for whom Floating
Doctors is acting, from any liability by virtue of any alteration, whether intentional or otherwise, that may occur or be
produced in the taking of said still photography or video footage or in any subsequent processing thereof, as well as any
presentation, exhibition or streaming thereof.
I hereby warrant that I am eighteen (18) years of age or older and have the right to contract my own name in the above
regard. I state further that I have read the above authorization, release and agreement, prior to its execution, and that I am
fully familiar with the contents thereof.
SIGNATURE_____________________________ PRINTED NAME______________________ DATE__________
PHONE_______________________________ EMAIL________________________________________