Medical Elective Volunteer

Volunteer World Nepal offers affordable medical elective volunteer opportunities designed to meet the requirements of students studying to be doctors, nurses, dentists, pre-medical, midwives, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare-related professionals or qualified professionals. Medical elective volunteer placement that meets your elective requirements, while offering you a rewarding travel experience, as you are immersed in the local culture and have the opportunity to spend your weekends travelling with like-minded students.

Volunteers can participate in various medical settings, from urban hospitals to rural clinics, gaining exposure to a wide spectrum of healthcare scenarios. In hospitals, assisting healthcare professionals in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care provides invaluable learning experiences. Medical elective volunteer involvement ranges from shadowing doctors during surgeries to conducting health education workshops for communities.

The unique healthcare challenges in Nepal, such as limited access to healthcare in remote areas and prevalent health issues like infectious diseases and malnutrition, offer a chance to learn about resourcefulness and adaptability in medical practice. Medical elective volunteers often collaborate with local healthcare providers, exchanging knowledge and practices while offering support where it is needed most.

Medical Elective Volunteer Highlights:

• Intern under professionals in local hospitals/clinics in Kathmandu and get practical experience in the healthcare industry
• Responsibilities at the project include assisting the doctors, shadowing/observing everyday treatment
• Depending on skills, assist with procedures like suturing wounds, giving vaccinations, checking blood pressure and maintaining records
• Work with fellow interns/medical care professionals who come down from different parts of the worlds
• Work during weekdays. Weekends are free to explore the Himalayan country and neighbouring famous sights

How does a medical elective volunteer help?

A medical elective volunteer can contribute to healthcare in various ways, depending on their skills, background, and the specific needs of the community or healthcare facility. A medical elective volunteer serves as a bridge between healthcare resources and the communities in need. By offering their time, skills, and dedication, these volunteers play a vital role in improving healthcare outcomes, enhancing local capacity, and fostering sustainable health practices.

1. Medical elective volunteer programs for nurses, dentists and doctors:

If you are studying to become a medical professional, then this program is perfect for you. As a volunteer on this placement, you will have the opportunity to carry out basic health checks in clinics, observe Nepali doctors in hospitals, and practice in your chosen field. For most of this placement, you will shadow Nepali doctors, who will have good spoken English. Additionally, on this placement, you may also get the chance to participate in Volunteer World Nepal’s health camp, which moves between needy communities and offers basic medical care.

2. Medical elective volunteer for professional placements:

If you are a qualified medical professional, you have the opportunity to work in hospitals, medical clinics, and health camps in Nepal. However, please note that working in the medical field in Nepal can be very different from your experiences in your home country. Medicine names and practices may differ here, and as a volunteer, you will have to adapt to these changes. Although Volunteer World Nepal provides the service of an interpreter where necessary, communication can sometimes limit the actions of our volunteers. Nevertheless, volunteers often find that these factors enhance their experience in Nepal and force them to learn quickly on the job.

3. Medical elective volunteer for pre-medical placements:

There are volunteer placements available for those who are interested in working in the medical profession but are not yet qualified or studying medicine. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to observe doctors in clinics and organize health awareness programs in schools, women’s groups, disability centres, and other community organizations. These awareness groups will provide the local communities with knowledge about sanitation and first aid training.

4. Do I need any specific qualifications or skills for this volunteering placement?

For pre-medic placements, you must have a keen interest or be planning to study medicine in some capacity. With medical care student placements, you must be currently studying at or have graduated from medical school. For our professional placements, you must be practising in the medical profession.
On applying for these placements please let us know your level of experience and field of expertise. We will do our best to find you a suitable placement.