Working as a medical volunteer is the ultimate rewarding experience. Already being equipped with a skill set that is so much in need in countries like Asia, Africa and Latin America allows you to touch lives in a very real way.
Placements
Some projects need physiotherapists, osteopaths, occupational therapists, nurses, doctors, surgeons, dentists, mental health specialists and other volunteers with professional skills.
A lot, however, would be delighted to have support from unqualified individuals. They are ideal for anyone with an interest in medical work abroad and a desire to work in well organised but under-funded medical centres.
Placements are designed to help you gain experience whilst sharing your skills at a variety of different projects. Placements have a degree or vocational focus, however, every placement will have you working in a range of environments.
Shadowing Nurses and Doctors
On some roles you will get to work in hospitals and community centres assisting doctors and nurses with their work but most importantly help with the rehabilitation of patients.
Mental Health Placements
Sometimes known as ‘Psychology Placements’ this placement includes working in a community and clinical setting with people with mental health issues.
Graduate Mental Health Placements
Similar to the Mental Health placement but includes additional field trips, workshops with Mental Health Professionals and sometimes requires a 12 week commitment.
Special Needs Placements
Includes working at 4 or more different projects running activities with people with different specific needs in a range of settings from schools to residential centres.
Occupational Therapy Placements
The Placement is run with the Sri Lankan Society of Occupational Therapists and is for anyone with experience in working with people with different learning and or physical abilities.
Special Need Placement with Performing Arts
Is for people keen to learn how the creative arts can be used as a therapeutic tool for those with physical and learning disabilities.
FAQ
Can I volunteer in a hospital without experience?
Requirements varies depending on the location, but yes you usually can help out medical programs even if you are working professionally in the industry. If you are new to healthcare, or just want to help out, you can join outreach programs in the developing world in places like Africa, Asia and Latin America, making visits to some of the poorest communities to dress wounds, weigh babies, promote health through education, distribute health resources and make general assessments alongside your coordinator or outreach medical staff. Volunteers can combine these visits with regular community development programs. In addition to outreach visits there are plenty of opportunities to offer basic first aid at hospitals, community centres, schools and nurseries. Wounds on the arms, feet and legs are the main daily annoyance for local people who can benefit from extra help. Volunteers, together with the local support team can also escort children/people needing professional advice to hospital, often paying for treatment.
Can I volunteer at a hospital if I am studying bio-medicine or other non-patient focused courses?
Yes, if spaces are available. Every year bio-medicine volunteers start work in the laboratory testing blood samples followed by time spent shadowing elsewhere in the hospital.
Duration
For volunteers wanting more health-related opportunities, we recommend a longer stay of 4 weeks+ to provide the maximum number of outreach opportunities.