This government-operated hospital serves the underprivileged community of Ho Chi Minh City. It aims to offer effective treatment to a large number of its local population with the help of international volunteers.
Location of the Project:
Ho Chi Minh City
Project length:
Min 1 week - Max 8 weeks
Arrival Airport:
Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
Volunteer Work:
Shadowing Medical Professionals
Age:
18-75
Number of Volunteers:
Up to 15 international volunteers
Important Note:
You will need to buy or rent navy scrubs to wear at the hospital.
What's Included
Accommodations:
Shared dorm room on college campus
Food:
Three meals provided during the week, and two on weekends.
Airport Transfers:
Included on arrival day
Insurance:
Comprehensive travel health insurance with volunteer abroad coverage
Orientation:
Orientation: all necessary training and introductions provided upon arrival
Support:
Local in-country team and 24-hour emergency support
What's not Included
Flights, personal expenses, daily transport to project location, visa (if required)
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam’s largest city, has completely transformed over the last two decades as a result of Doi Moi, the 1986, widespread economic reform. It went from a war-ravaged city to a flourishing metropolis, putting it in a position to rival Bangkok and other Asian powerhouses. The city’s gushing success can be seen in its five-star restaurants, fancy hotels, topnotch bars and clubs and luxury shops. However, much remains to be done to improve and expand the social and health services for its residents.
This project offers the opportunity to observe Vietnamese doctors while learning about the hospital’s medical practices and treatment methods. The project will start with an introduction to the hospital equipment, the operating procedures and the staff with whom you will be working. You will then be assigned to either a nurse, staff member or a doctor, whom you will shadow for the remainder of your placement.
Some of your tasks may include:
A Typical Day: You will be at the hospital five to six hours a day, Monday to Friday, not including travel time. There is usually a two-hour break. Depending on the needs of the hospital at the time and your level of medical experience, you will shadow doctors performing medical procedures, shadow other hospital staff members and/or participate in everyday tasks.
Although weekends are free, you do have the option to volunteer at the hospital on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Please note: Due to patient safety and local licensing regulations, this placement is primarily a shadowing opportunity. Not all doctors have a high level of English.
Holidays: Volunteer work does not take place during national holidays, but you are always welcome to join in the local celebration.
Please note these consecutive holidays, which may impact short-term placements, before registering:
Some of your tasks may include:
- Measuring blood pressure
- Monitoring patients
- Observing, recording and analyzing patient conditions
- Observation in various departments, such as X-ray room, Rehab, Speech Therapy and Acupuncture
- Helping in the children’s or adult’s ward (depending on the need at the time)
A Typical Day: You will be at the hospital five to six hours a day, Monday to Friday, not including travel time. There is usually a two-hour break. Depending on the needs of the hospital at the time and your level of medical experience, you will shadow doctors performing medical procedures, shadow other hospital staff members and/or participate in everyday tasks.
Although weekends are free, you do have the option to volunteer at the hospital on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Please note: Due to patient safety and local licensing regulations, this placement is primarily a shadowing opportunity. Not all doctors have a high level of English.
Holidays: Volunteer work does not take place during national holidays, but you are always welcome to join in the local celebration.
Please note these consecutive holidays, which may impact short-term placements, before registering:
- February 12-25, 2018
- February 4-8, 2019
Internet:
WiFi is available at the accommodation.
Laundry:
Cheap laundry service is available close by.
Accommodations:
You will stay in the dormitories of a college campus. There is an air- conditioner in every room. Rooms are single-gender, basic but comfortable, with bunk beds. There are 8 shared showers - 4 hot and 4 cold - and a western-style toilet in each room. There are several common areas, including a terrace overlooking the city, a cafe and a creative corner with paint and guitars. Volunteers are required to follow campus regulations, including a 23:30 curfew.
Room size: 6-10 people per room.
Food:
Three meals a day are included and served at a restaurant on campus. Meals are typically Vietnamese, but also include some Western dishes (sandwiches, spaghetti, etc.).
Please take note of this project's minimum requirements:
- Minimum age: 18
- Able to work in hot and humid climate
- CV/Resume
- Previous medical experience: currently enrolled in nursing or medical school, or qualified nurse/doctor/therapist
- Immunizations (please consult your local travel clinic)
- Police Clearance form
Culture Week (Highly Recommended, Not Included):
For an additional fee you can extend your stay with a week designed to introduce you to Ho Chi Minh and Vietnamese culture, as well as give you time to get to know the other volunteers. During the week you will visit some of Vietnam's iconic landmarks, market places and even go to a traditional water puppet show. You’ll take cooking and language lessons, learn about traditional jewelry techniques and get an understanding of Vietnam’s past, present and future.
For an additional fee you can extend your stay with a week designed to introduce you to Ho Chi Minh and Vietnamese culture, as well as give you time to get to know the other volunteers. During the week you will visit some of Vietnam's iconic landmarks, market places and even go to a traditional water puppet show. You’ll take cooking and language lessons, learn about traditional jewelry techniques and get an understanding of Vietnam’s past, present and future.
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