This program operates within a government-managed hospital, dedicated to serving the Ho Chi Minh community. Central to this project is the process of observing, documenting, and analysing, given that it is primarily a hands-off experience.

It's crucial to emphasize that these institutions are bound by government regulations, preventing international participants from independently carrying out tasks. Hence, this project is most suitable for pre-medical or medical students aiming to gain deeper insights into the Vietnamese healthcare system.

Participants will have the opportunity to shadow nurses, doctors, and therapists. Depending on their profile and availability, daily responsibilities may include preparing medication, measuring blood pressure, providing basic triage, and offering wound care.

Placement within the hospital depends on both the hospital's schedule and your background, with possible departments including Anaesthesiology, Brain Injury, Mental Health (subject to limitations), Rehabilitation/Occupational therapy, Orthopaedics, Pharmacy (proficiency in Vietnamese required), Speech therapy (proficiency in Vietnamese required), Physiotherapy, Prosthetics workshop, Radiology (Ultrasound), Surgery (spine surgery, skin grafts, joint surgery), Traditional Medicine, Geriatrics, and Internal Medicine.

There may also be opportunities to observe staff in the acupuncture and occupational/physical therapy departments. While it's worth noting that the English proficiency of placement staff may vary, you will always have the support of an English-speaking coordinator from the local team. Participants are encouraged to engage with medical issues and seek guidance from the staff.

Your Role - General Information

One of the most rewarding aspects of working in healthcare or the medical field is the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of the local people in this remarkable city, even within a short timeframe. Regardless of your role's demands, the medical field provides an outlet for your desire to assist others and contribute to the community. In this program, you'll require boundless patience, energy, and a strong sense of responsibility and accountability while assisting patients with health issues.

Additionally, your general duties encompass:One of the most rewarding aspects of working in healthcare or the medical field is the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of the local people in this remarkable city, even within a short timeframe. Regardless of your role's demands, the medical field provides an outlet for your desire to assist others and contribute to the community. In this program, you'll require boundless patience, energy, and a strong sense of responsibility and accountability while assisting patients with health issues.

• Shadowing, observing, and assisting with the
• Hospital's daily operations.
• Assist Patients/residents in their health concerns with the close monitoring of the doctor/nurses in charge.
• Observe Local Doctors/nurses on duty on operations and other medical procedures.
• Observe in diagnosing and treating patient's illnesses performed by the doctors/nurse on duty.
• Participate in basic triage, wound care, blood pressure measurement and medication preparation.
• Join healthcare campaigns (if there is any) for children at local schools or communities to increase their health awareness.
• Partaking in the day-to-day activities of the hospital.

Note: Possible activities during your time in the hospital may vary depending on your background and experience.

During the Medical Placement:

• Work at the placement for a minimum of five (5) hours a day.
• You will be requested to wear a scrub during working time, you must bring a scrub with you or rent one at the accommodation when you arrive, if possible wear a proper medical uniform.
• Be on time and always come to the hospital prepared.
• Smile and have lots of patience as you are working with patients with different medical conditions.
• Always be kind and calm in different situations.
• Be attentive to the caretaking, diagnosing and treating patients.
• Be careful when using the hospital and medical equipment.
• Please show your love to the patients as if you are their sisters, brothers, parents and the ones to lean on.
• There may be a change of time and schedules so please be patient and respect the advice of your local program coordinator.
• Be always respectful of the local staff, fellow participants, patients, and hospital staff.
• Adhere to the rules and regulations of the hospital you're working with.
• Beware of the medical protocols, procedures, and guidelines of the hospital.
• Work closely with your local program coordinator alongside hospital staff.

Note: Lunch break is a bit long because locals take a nap between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Please also note that Stated rules and regulations will be discussed further by the local staff or the Country Manager a day after your arrival.

Please note that this program is not running during public holidays, however, we join in celebration with the local people or you may join a program to one of the other programs such as the Food Shop Program.

Transportation
Transportation to the projects and return to the accommodation is included in the program fee via bus (public transport). If you wish to use taxi instead, you can inform the local team. They will guide you on how to get transportation. Please note that the cost of taxi transport will have to be borne by yourself.