Description

This programme is perfect for those with an interest in the medical field or trained medical professionals who would like to take part in a challenging project at a small rural clinic in Namibia. At the remote rural clinic you will take part in hands-on clinical service while assisting the resident doctor and nurse. You will be immersed in the health and development programme while providing care to patients living in extreme poverty. You may also have the rare and exciting opportunity to work with the animals of Africa and care for them in your spare time or as part of your stay, assisting in their rehabilitation and creating a large natural habitat in which they can live.

* What Will I Be Doing?

This programme provides you with the unique opportunity to contribute to the medical welfare of the local community while experiencing African wilderness and the chance to work with Africa's fascinating wildlife. As part of your placement you will also undertake a research project or assignment in a subject that is of personal interest to you, which will not only aid your personal development but will be of benefit to the clinic and the people who use it, now and in the future.

You will spend your time at the clinic learning from the fulltime doctor and assisting the nurse with local community carework. You may also have the opportunity to visit the local Bushman village and undertake walks to learn about the traditional use of plants for food and medicinal purposes. This programme is ideal for prospective medical students who can expect teaching on basic clinical skills, history taking and patient examination. Trained professionals may be asked to run consultations with patients. There is also the possibility of weekly outreach projects to communities that may not be able to access the clinic in order to screen for cataracts, TB, and any other medical problems that come to light. This will represent a great opportunity for trained professionals to have a greater impact on the people who are most in need of help.

Established in 2003, the Bushman clinic brings vital primary healthcare to remote communities, presenting diverse and interesting challenges to those offering healthcare solutions. At the clinic, you will work with the full time nurse and be involved in everyday clinic duties, assist with medical needs and share the positive impact the resource has on the health of the local community. Primary healthcare is the first point of call for sick residents in the area and it's usually very busy. A decision is made as to whether patients need reassurance, treatment, observation or emergency referral to the clinic. Your daily schedule will be varied and you may carry out duties such as making and recording medical observations, keeping medical records, monitoring the progress of pregnant women, helping with wound dressings, working in the pharmacy, and even assisting with community projects such as planting and cultivating vegetable gardens to help encourage good nutrition amongst the community. You may also help carry out research projects such as looking into drivers of disease such as alcoholism in the area. This project benefits from being very hands on; you will be working at the forefront of primary health care provision in the area and as a result you will increase your own skills and confidence as you participate, as well as being challenged by the variety and intensity of the activities. In addition to working at the clinic, depending on the schedule of the other volunteers, patients and transfers, you may have the possibility of working with a variety of African animals at the sanctuary.

Highlights

* Visit unique & beautiful Namibia.
* Help to improve the lives of the Bushman community.
* Experience the African wilderness.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

3,300

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Before you go:
* Pre-departure support
* Travel & medical advice & documentation
* Equipment advice
* Discounted medical kit
* Free Frontier t-shirt

In-country:
* Food
* Accommodation
* Ground transfers & in-transit accommodation
* Local orientation
* Project training
* In-country emergency support
* 24-hour international HQ back-up

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

minumin 18 years of age

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

Frontier's Mission Statement

To conserve the world's most endangered wildlife and threatened habitats and to build sustainable livelihoods for marginalized and under resourced communities in the world's poorest countries. To create solutions that are apolitical, forward-thinking, community-driven, and innovative and which take into consideration the long-term needs of low income communities.

Year Founded

1989