As the world emerges out of the pandemic, it's also opening up to countless travel possibilities. 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. Visit our Travel Medicine page to learn more and book an appointment.
About Doylestown Health
Doylestown Health is a comprehensive healthcare system of inpatient, outpatient, and wellness education services connected to meet the health needs of the local and regional community. The flagship of Doylestown Health is Doylestown Hospital, a not-for-profit, community teaching hospital with 245 beds and a medical staff of more than 600 providers who deliver the highest quality care in over 50 specialties. Renowned locally, regionally, and nationally, Doylestown Hospital provides superior healthcare and offers advanced surgical procedures, innovative medical treatments, and comprehensive specialty services. Serving Bucks County for over 100 years, Doylestown Hospital is proud to educate and train the next generation of physicians through its family medicine residency program. Ranked as one of the World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek and 9th in Pennsylvania, Doylestown Hospital is distinguished in both infection prevention and patient experience. Doylestown Hospital is the only hospital in Pennsylvania to achieve 18 consecutive ‘A’ grades for patient safety from Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Learn more at doylestownhealth.org.
