Medical Hospital Internship – Goa

Background Information

For those practicing or aspiring to practice medicine, this unique program provides an in depth experience within a hospital in a developing country.   Depending on your current skill levels, you can transfer pre-existing medical knowledge where possible and provide overall assistance to the doctors, nurses and hospital staff.

Trained English speaking staff are available at all times.  You will observe and absorb knowledge through shadowing qualified in house medical staff.   See first hand treatments you may not have access to seeing in your home environment.

The hospital aims to offer affordable health treatment to the inhabitants in this area and is normally inundated with patients suffering from all types of common and uncommon medical conditions.

Many options are available for volunteers depending on your skill level.  You’ll spend the first couple days observing and being assessed for your experience level which will be discussed and agreed to with the head doctors or nurses in order to optimize your contribution to the hospital.

We are able to offer experienced participants with daily roles as nurses and doctors. You will begin by observing and monitoring hospital practices and carrying out daily tasks around the hospital, helping out where needed. After this, you will progress to a more “hands on” role at the hospital.

The hospital is equipped with an x-ray room, operating theater, and A&E room, an adult patient’s room, a child patient’s room and a critical ward. Participants will be able to work in all different areas or may choose to focus upon one area for the entirety of their stay.

Goa
Ideal for first time India travelers Goa offers that unique cultural experience with a bit more ‘western’  feel.  Besides the beautiful long sandy beaches, there are also many areas to explore from caves behind waterfalls and villages hidden in sandy coconut forests to spice plantations and mountain ranges and hiking tracks.  The UNESCO World Heritage site also has much architecture with churches, cathedrals and forts to explore.  It is also a free spirited place with many hippies,  markets and a great party scene.

Indicative Schedule

Sunday – Arrive in Goa.  Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the volunteer center to settle in.

Monday – If this is your first week, there will be a full introduction with all the staff. At this point, you will also discuss your upcoming direct role at the project. You will be introduced to the equipment and the current operating procedures, present at the hospital.

Tues-Friday – The schedule for this program is highly flexible and depends a lot on local needs and your skills. You can expect to accompany the doctor on his rounds and be prepared to assist in various tasks based on your own level of experience.  Depending upon the needs of the hospital at the time, you will assess patients, perform medical procedures, assist in performing surgery and x-rays. The hospital also has regular meetings, which you will attend to discuss how to improve the needs and performance of the hospital.

Weekends – Relax at the volunteer center with your fellow volunteers or visit the many local sights.

Acceptance Criteria

• This project is available to those who have enrolled into a university course in any of the medical fields or graduates and practitioners
• A CV and/or cover letter outlining your desire to participate in the program.

What to Bring

• Stethoscope
• White over coat

Goa Accommodation Overview

The Goa Volunteer center is a large western style house with a lovely garden and large outdoor area.  The house features and hot water (solar powered), WiFi, dining room, mini library and travel desk, lounge areas, television with satellite connection, safety lockers and lockable rooms, fridge and western style toilets and purified water.  Bed linen is provided, however you should bring your own towel.  You’ll be sharing a room with max of 4-6 volunteers at any one time in single gender rooms. You can wash your clothes by hand otherwise there is laundry services available for an additional fee.

The center is located located about 1 hour from the airport and about a 15 min walk to the nearest supermarket with ATM and personal SIM card for additional Wifi if desired as the quality of internet is not the greatest!   The closest city is Mapusa.

You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Indian foods, consisting mainly of vegetarian foods including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about twice per week. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants.

Accommodation Includes

• 3 meals p/day weekdays, 2 p/day weekends
• Filtered Water
• 4-6 persons p/room
• Wifi in public areas
• Laundry facilities (at additional fee)
• Safety deposit box
• Lockable rooms
• Hot Shower & Western style toilets
• Private bathroom
• Bed Linen (no towels)