To raise awareness of tropical and travel related disorders in the local community--Minnesota has the largest refugee resettlement program in the nation and, like the rest of the world, is seeing a large increase in international travel.

To raise awareness of under-represented diseases and their impact on the wider global community.

The training of health professionals in proper epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of tropical and travel related diseases.  Our hope is that this will lead to better quality of care locally.  In addition, this will arm health professionals who plan to work overseas with a basic level of understanding of the diseases they will be encountering.  Hopefully this will make participants more valuable, and less of a burden, to the international health professionals with whom they work, and the communities and patients whom they serve.

Move people to action through demonstrating the need and plight of the current human condition in many areas of the world.

Make action more feasible by connecting students, residents and community health professionals with experienced individuals who will act as mentors in areas ranging from patient care to research to community development.

Create a forum for local experts in tropical and travel medicine to maintain and expand their clinical knowledge and skills.

Last, but not least, to have an enjoyable and overall educational evening.