Medical & Dentistry Volunteer/Electives
Daily Tasks
As part of this volunteering position, medical, dentistry students and/or professional doctors will support the medical post of Lobitos and/or the hospital in Talara in the following specialities: Respiratory, Pediatrics, Infections, Gynecology, General Practice, Dermatology and preventative procedures. With the guidance of the EcoSwell team, volunteers will also design and implement public health educational initiatives in Lobitos for the local population in relation to the identified challenges in order to raise awareness.
Medical and Dentistry Electives will be supported by the EcoSwell staff, and local health practitioners who will be there to supervise when required. Participants of this programme will need to spend at least two weeks with us.
An online position focused on medical research is available for those wanting to take part in this program in that manner.
Benefits of joining this program
The precarious socioeconomic and environmental conditions of Lobitos and Talara (the closest city to Lobitos) mean that the local population is exposed to a range of health problems. These include but are not limited to: respiratory problems, infections, viruses, birth control and sanitation issues, as well as a lack of awareness in relation to dental care. In addition to this, the medical post in Lobitos is not functioning to capacity and the hospital in Talara is understaffed, which sometimes leads to demands for medical help and attention not being met. Additionally, there is a severe lack of public health awareness, therefore perpetuating health issues within families.
In order to mitigate these impacts, we have established a cooperative Medical & Dentistry volunteering program alongside the Lobitos medical post and the Talara hospital. The benefits of taking part in this program include:
Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience in a rural medical post and a semi-rural hospital in a developing country, having a real positive impact on the community.
There is a bursary available to contribute towards the financial contribution required by the applicant.
Work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.
Live and work in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, the land of endless summer.
Requirements
These positions are available to medical and dentistry students who are in their clinical years, and qualified doctors. We also ask for:
Candidates who do not speak spanish will be able to join our programme by working with a local interepreter who we can recommend.
Minimum age 18.
Basic experience or strong motivation to work as part of a team away from home.
However, the most important thing is that you have an open mind, positive attitude and willingness to learn!
FOR EVERY VOLUNTEER INTERN THAT JOINS US, A local family will plant and care for a native TREE IN THE VOLUNTEER INTERNS NAME.
If you'd like to get in touch with our former volunteer interns to hear about their experiences with us, get in touch and we'd be happy to connect you.
“A truly extraordinary experience”
As well as being extremely exciting, this medical volunteering/elective placement was hugely enriching. It was fun, stimulating, challenging and rewarding. It demands a hands-on approach, but EcoSwell and the health team provide a supportive environment in which students can work, learn and thrive. Everyone is very friendly as the town is extremely grateful for any outside help. Medical volunteers/electives are well placed to offer essential medical assistance. I can’t speak highly enough of this experience. I’ve learnt so much and I’ve made so many friends. It is truly extraordinary.
