09 August 2010

Volunteer project: Medical work experience in Kenya

Country: Kenya
Location: Mombasa
Departures: This trip can be arranged at any time throughout the year for up to 12 weeks
Price: From £675 - £1695 (2 - 12 weeks) excluding flights
More info: Price includes accommodation, meals, transfers, pre-departure comprehensive information pack and 24 hour in-country support

Work experience in the field of medicine in Mombasa
Get a behind the scenes view of medicine and observe experts to learn how they work in Kenya. The experience you gain will be an excellent entry on your CV or Résumé. Your placement will be based in the Portreitz District Hospital. The Hospital was established in 1952, as an Infectious Diseases Hospital. It is a poor hospital which caters for a very poor community. The Hospital has up-to-date facilities and a reputation for excellent medical attention.

What you'll gain from the project:
  • An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa.
  • Good, practical work experience that will stand you in good stead in your career.
  • You'll learn a lot from experts in your field about how they work in a cultural environment that's different to what you're used to.
  • New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
  • An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
  • And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
A day in the life of a volunteer
It is difficult to be specific about the day-to-day work you will do because work is so varied and spread across many areas. The hospital is very busy with a multitude of duties and responsibilities, so you will probably be worked very hard in most areas! Your work may take you into all departments, e.g. surgery, burns unit, ICU, Physiotherapy, X-ray and even the mortuary to name just a few. However, if you're not qualified, you won't be allowed into operating theatres. The type of work you will be allocated will depend to an extent on your own abilities and capabilities, which is understandable given that you will be dealing with patient health and safety.
You'll be given basic and general on-the-job training by your supervisor, and further jobs should become available for those with medical experience. Your hours may vary insofar as they will be subject to shift rotas, but your usual hours will be from 9-5 Monday to Friday. However, you may sometimes work evenings or nights, sometimes over weekends, but you will have time off on other days instead. Most of your work will entail assisting the local doctors and nurses with their daily rounds, making medical notes and updating records. You'll also be asked to help with computer entries, as well as helping to clean equipment and various areas within the hospital.

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