Announcing the Doylestown Health Travel Medicine Program
Health Articles, New Services |
The world is struggling out of the pandemic. Borders will eventually re-open. Many are looking forward to a time when they
can take their travel itineraries off the back burner. Before you do head back out into the wider world, consider consulting
with a travel medicine specialist to get the most out of your trip. Doylestown Health has launched a travel medicine program to
safeguard traveler health and help ensure a positive trip experience.
“A travel health consultation is not just for Peace Corps workers,” says Alyssa Wankewicz, MD, Doylestown Health
infectious disease specialist. “Vacationers to developing countries also benefit from preventative medicine and education.”
According to the
CDC,
at least half of travelers to low- and middle-income countries become ill with a travel-related health problem. Dr. Wankewicz
adds, “It is also important for travelers with chronic health conditions or those visiting high-altitude locations —
Denver, Colorado, for example — to talk to a travel medicine physician about strategies for traveling safely.”
The Pre-Travel Assessment
The Doylestown Health Travel Medicine’s board-certified infectious disease physicians offer comprehensive, customized
pre-travel assessments. The visit includes a review of the traveler’s medical history and pre-existing conditions to mitigate
travel health risks. The doctor will examine your trip itinerary to gauge the need for preventative medications, like malaria
and traveler’s diarrhea prophylaxis, and counsel on local infections and how to properly prevent them.
The Post-Travel Assessment
Infectious disease specialist Michael Kimzey, DO, recommends post-travel assessments with Doylestown Health if there are
health issues following travel. Dr. Kimzey explains that “Our travel medicine team sees patients post-travel who manifest
symptoms such as fevers, rashes, gastrointestinal issues, or other travel-related health issues that general medicine doctors
may not have experience with.”
Making an Appointment
It is recommended to book your travel health assessment four to six weeks before traveling to ensure adequate time for
vaccination and other preparations. Go to doylestownhealth.org/TravelMedicine to learn more and book an appointment.