Description

Volunteering on a Medicine & Healthcare project in Jamaica is a challenging and exciting experience. As a Medicine & Healthcare volunteer you will gain a great deal of valuable work-experience alongside some of the most skilled and inspirational doctors in the country.

The majority of medical volunteers find that the facilities in Jamaica are of a good standard; in fact Jamaica was one of the first countries to establish a national health service. However, you are likely to encounter many diseases that are less common than in North America and Europe.

Medicine volunteers based in Mandeville work in one of four medical institutions, the Mandeville Regional Hospital, Percy Junor Hospital, Manchester Health Department or at another Health Center and the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA). In St. Elizabeth volunteers work at the Black River Hospital or a variety of Health Centers, while in St. Ann volunteers work at the St. Anns Bay Hospital or in local Health Centers.

At the hospitals you will spend time working in both in-patient and out-patient services in departments such as general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics. The Health Department and Health Centers offer a variety of services including an adolescent health clinic, wellness clinic, child health, curative health, family planning and health program and sexually transmitted infection clinics. The categories of nurse at these facilities are public health, midwife, registered, enrolled and community health aides.

Doctors and nurses welcome volunteers with a range of experience, so long as you are enthusiastic and keen to participate. By showing initiative and building a good rapport with your colleagues, you can get very involved with the doctors and patients with whom you are working.

Highlights

Volunteers in Jamaica have many choices in terms of travel opportunities, both at the weekends or after volunteering. The Milk River Bath is a popular day trip from Mandeville, this natural hot spring is renowned for its healing powers, and is a relaxing way to spend the day after a busy week at work.

Further a field literally hundreds of paradise beaches await, with added attractions at places like Ocho Rios, home to the aptly named Eden Falls, where you can tube or raft down the river. Water sports like diving and snorkeling are popular around the entire coast or lie back in a hammock and sample a classic Jamaican rum cocktail.

Finally, no experience of Jamaica is complete without experiencing the vibrant music scene. Strains of Jamaica's most famous citizen, Bob Marley will undoubtedly follow you everywhere on the island and spectacular music festivals take place throughout the year.

Qualifications

Depends on placement, but all levels of experience are welcome.

Intern Types

• Medicine
• Health Sciences

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Health
• Health Care
• Hospital
• Medicine

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992