Medical Careership - Argentina

Argentina, and particularly Buenos Aires is well-known for its advanced health care system, the high-quality training of its doctors and nurses, sharing many similarities to the modern techniques used in European hospitals and health centres. This project thus provides an excellent opportunity for medical students looking to gain experience in an international context. In this project you will specifically be working with local doctors and nurses who will assist you in learning about the practice of medicine in poor Argentine communities and neighbourhoods. You will gain an inside perspective regarding the needs and concerns of the people who attend the Centre, by exchanging questions and answers with patients and doctors and getting to know local communities.

These primary healthcare or "salitas" - as they are called it in Spanish - are the first point of access for the residents in poor neighbourhoods and are free to all. They are strategically located within the neighbourhoods, to be closer to the people, and are the first place they go when they have a health problem and need professional assistance. In the 'salitas' there are family doctors, paediatricians, nurses, psychologists, dentists and social workers among other specialties.

You will help local doctors and staff to aid community members in improving their health and well-being, whilst searching for more efficient ways of preventing diseases.

You will shadow doctors and nurses in their daily activities, including: taking vitals, treating injuries, interacting with patients, etc. You may also perform other duties when needed such as document translation and categorization of donated medications. This is a very flexible placement and what you get out will depend greatly upon what you put in. Activities can include:

* Shadowing local doctors and nurses whilst on their rounds
* Administer basic treatments where applicable
* Monitoring and observation of patients
* Record keeping and other administrative tasks
* Patient sanitation, nutrition & education
* Exploring different treatments for simple ailments
* Participating in vaccination programs
* Providing physical therapies

You will be given easy to follow instructions on how to get from (Ezeiza) Ministro Pistarini International Airport to the Project HQ in central Buenos Aires. Alternatively you can arrange to be met at the airport for an extra $50 USD.

You will be staying in the newly built Volunteer Guesthouse. You will have; Internet WiFi, a communal kitchen, bathrooms, storage closet, bar/common area, tourist information, laundry service, DVD room, library, book exchange, and housekeeping service. Located in a renovated historic building with a great atmosphere in the heart of the city, you are extremely close to the subte (subway), buses, and trains.

There is no curfew, and you will have a real chance to practice Spanish and immerse yourself in Argentine culture with students and people who conduct workshops for youth and adults. If you want, you can participate in interesting meetings, dinners and parties with other volunteers. There are also the options to stay with a host family or rent your own apartment. Please discuss this us when applying.

This placement is particularly suited to medical students in their second to fourth years, and for electives. The key requirements for a medical intern are initiative, enthusiasm, and readiness to work in unfamiliar circumstances.

* Min age 18
* Minimum 3 month commitment - 30+ hours a week
* Enthusiasm and motivation to work in Medicine
* Advanced Spanish (Lessons available)
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights & visas

Fee:

Staggered Project Fee per month (see below) + £249 GBP one-off Placement Fee

2-4 weeks - $180 USD
4-8 weeks - $250 USD
8- 12+ weeks - $320 USD
 

What's Included:

Project Fee includes 24 hour support and 2 day orientation to Buenos Aires

We charge a flat, one-off Placement Fee of £249 GBP per person per project. This covers our costs for promoting the project and providing our services. We offer full pre-departure support (for all necessary flights, visas and vaccinations) and ongoing assistance throughout your placement.
 

What's not included:

All food, accommodation, flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged.

Accommodation starts at $100 USD a week, and you should budget around $10-15 a day for food.