For our medical program you will be placed in a health center depending on your experience and training. You will shadow doctors and other healthcare workers, observing how the healthcare system in Tanzania works as well as performing hands-on care and treatment for patients under supervision.
There is also opportunity for medical outreach with a local organization. This involves traveling to a rural village, typically over rough dirt roads. You will either visit several homes and provide medical treatment to the families, or travel to one location where families will be informed to come to you. The medical outreach is funded by the volunteers. There will be a fee to cover the cost of transportation, as well as the per diem cost of having a community health worker or government doctor in attendance. The fee depends on the number of volunteers, as well as the type and number of vehicles we must bring. In the past, it has ranged from approximately $5 to $15 per volunteer. We sometimes contribute transportation for patients who need to travel to the hospital immediately.
Our Medica program provides you with the opportunity to expand your skills, gain a deeper understanding of global health issues, and will help you learn how to provide the best medical care possible with limited resources. For this program we are looking for people with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a kind heart.
We are open to doctors, nurses, medical or nursing students, paramedics, EMT’s, and CNA’s. Exact placement will depend on your skills and experience. Let us know your specialty, and we will ensure that you have a wonderful placement. In addition, we ask for a copy of your transcript showing your school experience or a license, a reference letter from a professor/supervisor in the medical field, and a CV/resume explaining your experience.
As a step contributing to the advancement of the equipment, appliances, facilities, and quality of these health centers, there is an extra fee of 100 USD, which is a one-time contribution for all the time you will be on the program. This is directly transferred to the institutions and centers to develop their facilities and service provision on your first day at the placement.
What to Expect
Even if you are qualified and experienced, be open to new ways of doing things. Given the sensitivity of the project, it is with certainty that things will be done differently than what you are used to; adapt and be proactive. Instead of accusing something as being wrong, demonstrate a better way. Inadequate resources, less staff, and more patients are possible challenges. If you lack the knowledge, do not insist on doing things your way, as it is important to not put patients at risk.
What NOT to Expect
“Easy does it” won’t apply to this project. Trust is to be earned; the doctors need to be assured that you are qualified and experienced enough to be involved in their work day, let alone see patients. There are hectic days and slow days. Participate fully and get involved. You will not be alone.
What are the Doctors like?
This is a sensitive project and the placements have different conditions. It will take time to know the people and cope with the momentum. Involve yourself in the specified activities so you can build relationships and trust with people. The staff are friendly, so make sure you make time for them in order to understand the way they do things. Reach out to them, sharing your experiences and knowledge.
What are the Patients like?
Depending on the placement and institution, the patients will be different. Tanzanians are generally friendly and very appreciative. The language barriers and the large number of patients can be overwhelming, but the support from local staff can be empowering in conducting activities.
Duties and Tasks
As a volunteer, you will be observing the practices while embracing different approaches. It is important to embrace the culture and support the doctors and other staff. You might get firsthand experience with the patients, but if not, focus on where you can be more useful or visit other placements where you are more needed.
Challenges
Culture differences, specifically the different approaches to life.
Different living conditions (for example: the weather, availability of basic resources such as water and electricity, consumer goods and distance to services).
Transportation (inadequate transport especially in the rural areas, bumpy rides while traveling with bodaboda and congested village buses)
Expectations. With high expectations, it is easy to be disappointed by the lags and reluctance to be involved, especially with impatience to reach perfection.
Different expertise approaches in regard to limited resources.
Positives
Learn how to sustain the needs of others with inadequate resources
Attain new skills and experiences to further your profession
Arusha is a beautiful tourist city with much to appreciate. The people are welcoming, and the landscape and scenery are magnificent.
Take the opportunity to travel and socialize on the weekends. There are many spots for leisure and fun.
THINGS TO BRING, DONATIONS.
What to bring?
If you feel like donating and sharing, it will be appreciated. There are many needs due to the limited resources these centers have, ranging from completing construction of the centers, products like gloves, surgical gloves, gauze, iodine, sanitizers, surgical blades, medical tapes, Band-Aids, First aid kits, sterilization tools etc.
Personal things to bring
Other things to bring are for your personal use on your placement like your Medical uniform perhaps a pair or two, medical glasses, a stethoscope, soap, slippers, towels, toiletries, sunscreen etc.
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