Medical Internship - Tanzania

A high percentage of deaths in Tanzania are caused by 4 poverty-linked groups of diseases: infectious & parasitic diseases, illnesses of the respiratory system, nutritionally related diseases and diseases of the digestive system.

Our vision is to offer high-quality, appropriate health-care to the people of Arusha. During this Internship, you will be assisting local staff and conducting treatments according to your skills and previous education. If you are qualified to perform surgeries, you will be able to assist our surgeons, however even if you are not, there is plenty for you to get involved in. You will be observing surgeries, taking blood pressure, administering vaccinations and treatments, along with a wide range of other necessary and important tasks.

The hospital face challenges every day and staff and patient care is among our biggest concerns. The hospital are asking for interns and volunteers to help share their knowledge and skills and work together to create effective and appropriate healthcare to the surrounding region.

As part of this internship, you can be placed and gain experience in the following fields:

- Maternal and child health care,
- Gynecological services,
- Pediatric consultations,
- Ophthalmological services and outreach clinics,
- Dental services,
- In and outpatient services,
- Radiological services,
- Provision of counseling to HIV/Aids Patients as well the provision of ARV therapy.
- Diabetic Clinic

The working week runs from Monday to Saturday. Although you are not expected to work on Saturdays, you are more than welcome to put in extra hours.

Everyday (apart from Wednesdays and Fridays) starts with a doctor’s handover meeting at 9 am in Matron office. The hospital is very flexible and encourages interns to attend anything they are interested in. Every task at the hospital is looked upon as being important, so if you for some reason can´t assist in medical treatment one day, please don’t hesitate to ask for other tasks such as doing laundry, cleaning instruments, scrub the floor etc.

Running at the hospital daily:
- Mother baby and clinic
- CTC (Care and treatment clinic – HIV): Except Wednesday
- General Outpatients (run by clinical officers not doctors)
- Surgery
- Ward Round

Suggested additional things you can attend:
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory
- Ultrasound department
- Radiology
- There may be the opportunity to attend outreach sessions at rural areas; however this will be dependent on the availability of such sessions during your stay.

Shift Work: Morning (7am-2pm), Afternoon (2pm-6pm), Evening (6pm-8pm).
Outpatients Shifts: 8am-2:30pm and 2:30-6pm.

You will be met at Kilimanjaro International airport or Arusha bus station by a project representative and taken to start your placement.

You will be staying in a fully-serviced apartment, along with other interns and volunteers. You will have a shared room and bathroom. Our coordinators will make sure you are safe and comformaibe and have everything you need throughout your placement.

During weekends you can visit the Tanzania National park (Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater) or visit the many local attractions, such as the Hot springs, Maasai village and Canoe safaris. There are many trips we can organise for you. Get in touch with us to find out more.

Interns working at the hospital are asked to bring:
- Lab coat, stethoscope, pen torch
- Notepads and stationary
- white dress/apron
- Alcohol gel, hand sanitizer
- scrubs
- Small first aid kit
- Disposable items including gloves, goggles
- Oxford handbook of tropical medicine
- Mosquito net, mosquito repellent, anti-malaria tablets
- Phrasebook and guidebook

Health and Safety
The HIV infection rate in the hospital is much higher than the Tanzanian average of 6-7%. It is advisable to bring your own HIV PEP, however the hospital may be able to provide help in emergencies. Local preventative practices may differ from those experienced at home, so ensure you carry everything you will require to reduce the risk of infection. The hepatitis risk is low.

Drugs are readily available at local pharmacies if you get ill, however it is advised to bring sufficient amounts of common things such as loperamide, oral rehydration and any other regular medicines.

General Requirements

* Min age 18 - Max age 80
* Minimum 1 month commitment - 30+ hours a week, 6 days a week.
* Enthusiasm and interest to work in Medicine - You must be studying medicine or have relevant qualifications
* Good English skills
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations 
* Necessary flights & visas 

Fee:

£249 GBP Placement Fee +  $880 USD per month ($180 for each additional week).
 

What's Included:

Project Fee includes all food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, 24 hour support and project activities.

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:

Flights, insurance, visas ($120 USD) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged.