Info

Volunteer in India and gain practical medical experience in a stimulating environment

*Overview:
This hospital in Pune, India welcomes volunteers from all levels, whether pre-university, medical students or graduate doctors. The staff believe they have a duty to help train young people and particularly welcome interns who haven't started medical training yet.

So if you are thinking of a career in medicine this is a great chance to find out more, or a unique opportunity to get practical experience in a hospital in India, a fascinating and stimulating environment.


*About the project:
After arriving at Pune airport, a driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation, where your host family will ensure that you settle into your new home. Starting on Saturday evening, our local coordinator will host an induction for all recently arrived volunteers. You will also have an opportunity to tour the city and take in the sights and sounds of your new home. Regular social events are also held, giving you the opportunity to meet other volunteers and local people, including a free weekend trip on your second weekend.

This state-of-the-art hospital was opened in early 2006 and, although it's a private hospital, it focuses on social equality. It's run by a team of leading doctors who not only work selflessly to help the poor and infirm but are also committed to training young people and raising the standards of the medical profession. They have a clear sense of social responsibility and of 'giving something back'.

The hospital treats and operates free of charge on people who can't afford to pay. Donors are found to cover the patients' care under the hospital's Samvedana (empathy) programme. The hospital also has a unique programme of full medical cover for the impoverished elderly, the cost of which works out at about £10 a year.

Hospital specialisms include: neurology; haematology; cardiac care and surgery; orthopaedics and joint replacement; paediatrics; diabetes; and hand and foot surgery. Other departments include: hypertensive clinics; nephrology; urology; trauma; cosmetology; internal medicine; and medical genetics.

Your role: what you do during your internship will depend on your level of experience. The more experienced / qualified you are, the more 'hands-on' your role will be.

-> Untrained / training interns will observe the work of different departments, including surgery. They will also be able to get involved in hospital asepsis protocols; working ni reception; in customer care; supporting / counselling patients; and making sure they are comfortable.

-> Graduate interns will rotate in clinical departments: neurology/neurosurgery; paediatrics and paediatric neurology; emergency and critical care medicine; haematology and bone marrow transplant; cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery; trauma and orthopaedics; gastrointestinal and laparoscopic surgery.

Duration

From 1 month to 4 months

Start Dates

2nd Monday of every month

Requirements

*To be interested in working in medicine, already training or qualified
*Volunteers need to be mature, confident and demonstrate initiative
*Minimum age 18yrs, no maximum age
*Good spoken English is also required
*International volunteers welcome