Medical Internship
Jamaica has COVID-19 precautions in place that mean this program can't get the assistance it needs right now.
Few volunteer programs could boast a location as spectacular as the country of Jamaica! Set in the gorgeous Caribbean, volunteers on this program have the wonderful opportunity to learn and assist those who need it most. The medicine and health care program places volunteers in hospitals, health centres or laboratories in a system that continues to face enormous challenges from limited equipment and resources in an area that suffers from high rates of lifestyle diseases. While generally only observation opportunities will be guaranteed for non-medical professionals, fully qualified medical professional may register to undertake practical work. Jamaica is an amazing place to visit with volunteers having the opportunity to soak up the friendly Caribbean culture and its beautiful locations. This is a perfect learning occasion for students or those thinking about a medical career, giving them experience in health care work and patient care. Become a Love Volunteer today and play your part in helping care for those less fortunate.
Goals of this Project:
- Improve the prospects of the people of Jamaica
- Provide quality medical care to the impoverished people served by this project
- Provide an opportunity for students to learn and observe
- To create a better cultural understanding between all participants
How You Can Help
Volunteers on this program provide support to staff to meet the daily workload and improve patient care. Pre-medical volunteers will observe at a health-care center while medical volunteers can observe at a hospital or health center, dependent on their year in school. Volunteers who meet the requirements to volunteer at a hospital will have the opportunity to observe in several departments including general surgery, obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatrics. For volunteers working in health-care centers the departments available for observation include adolescent health, health and wellness, child health, curative health, family planning and sexually transmitted infections. Volunteers will mainly observe, with tasks limited to taking vital signs, dressing wounds, shadowing doctors and socializing with patients. There may also be opportunities for participation in outreach activities providing services and support to communities. Other tasks will be dependent on a volunteer’s level of training and expertise. Volunteers will find a placement on this program to be an extremely beneficial addition to both their medical careers and their life experience.
Volunteers contribute in many ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Assist doctors and health care workers in the treatment of patients
- Interact with patients and provide support
- Assist with administrative duties where required
Requirements
This program offers an amazing opportunity for suitable applicants who are 18 years and over to work alongside qualified medical professionals and gain first-hand insight into the Jamaican healthcare system. It is open to those with experience and/or education in the field of medicine, as well as med-school and pre-med students. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with patients and staff, though this is not a pre-requisite. Naturally, all applicants must also have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Medical Qualification
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
As with all of our Jamaica volunteer programs, volunteers on this project will be based in the idyllic city of Mandeville. Situated in the heart of the island at 2000 feet above sea level, Mandeville is one of the more peaceful and attractive places on the entire island of Jamaica.
In days gone by, wealthy English settlers and expatriates favoured this part of the island, building impressive mansions and country homes here because the landscape reminded them of the countryside of their home countries. Today, a large number of the residents here are Jamaicans who have lived abroad for many years, usually in England, and who have returned to retire.
Thanks to this esteemed history, Mandeville is not only a booming business center and capital of the Manchester Parish, it is a contrast of the new and old set amidst rolling hills and lush vegetation. What a wonderful place to volunteer!
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival into Kingston or Montego Bay, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. They will also provide you with your Welcome Pack, which contains maps of the local area, supplies, volunteer t-shirt, contact information, and a volunteer manual to help you to be more aware and fully prepared. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAYS
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAYS
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston, Jamaica (Code: KIN) OR Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica (Code: MBJ)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program will be accommodated with a local Jamaican host family, where they will have the opportunity to become fully immersed in the local culture and custom, improving their knowledge of the people, culture and language. Jamaican families are renowned for their hospitality and love to learn more about different cultures. Living with a local family truly is the best way to throw oneself into the local culture and to meet people who will often become lifelong friends!
All host families have been fully vetted by our local team, receive a detailed orientation and have extensive experience hosting international volunteers. Depending on the time of year it may be necessary to share a room with other volunteers, but private rooms are often available upon request. Volunteers will be provided access to a shared bathroom and laundry. Volunteers are responsible for doing their own laundry (machine wash or hand wash onsite) or can pay a small fee to cover the cost. Wifi is available at most host family houses, however we ask volunteers to remember access to this service is a privilege and may be limited at times. A range of internet cafes are available in Mandeville.
Host families will provide breakfast and dinner daily (including weekends). Lunch is not included but can be purchased at a nearby café while at your project site – a wonderful opportunity to check out the huge variety of local and international restaurants, cafés and bistros in Mandeville!
Fees
That’s just USD 103 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.