Summer Medical Electives & Medical programs

  Kenya

• Mombasa: 
Mombasa

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Program starts one or two days after the students arrival and orientation program detailing about the meals,accommodation and the hospital schedule on rotations has taken place.

Description: We cordially welcome you to the Elective Africa senior medical program. This program is adapted to suit medical students in their 3rd and 4th years in the United States and Canada, or 4th, 5th and 6th year medical students in 5 or 6 year programs around the globe e.g. the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and various medical university programs in other parts of Europe, Australia and the Middle East. The senior medical program has also been extended to include medical programs from countries which support long periods of elective e.g. 10 month elective programs from Switzerland. For such periods, students have the option of carrying out an elective in one hospital for the entire period or may choose to have a more adventurous experience in Kenya by carrying out chosen periods of their elective in diverse hospitals hosted by Elective Africa. This enables the student to formulate a realistic comparison of health care in different settings of the country e.g. the rural vs urban health care provision system.

Elective Africas senior medical program is chiefly geared to offer an immense level of hands-on experience and knowledge in various clinical specialties. Depending on the students year of study, the student may enroll into a program encompassing anything from the clinical fields of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peadiatrics, Clinical Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Critical care, General and Orthopeadic Surgery to the specialities of E.N.T, Ophthalmology and Radiology. The student is also guided and refreshed on the application of theoretical knowledge attained in junior years of his/her learning process e.g. in the subjects of Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Community Health, Pharmacology and Pathology.

Students have the opportunity of selecting various hospitals that host Elective Africa. The students may contact the program coordinators for further details on various locations. The medical program most suited for senior medical students is based in Mombasa, Kenya. The student rotations and ward work are organised in a manner that most benefits the student, both in attaining practical experience and integrating knowledge and also in an approach that serves to benefit patient care.

Students are directed by the supervising doctors and consultants to enable them to draw an understanding of diverse aspects relating to the care of the patient e.g. relevant history taking in various body systems, physical examination, relevant laboratory investigations and their interpretation, arriving at pertinent diagnoses and appropriate treatment measures. Various procedures in the clinical medicine and paediatric rotations may be viewed or carried out, under supervision and may include: administration of various types of injections, lumbar punctures, insertion of intravenous cannulae, nasogastric intubation, lymph node biopsies etc. The student may be allowed to observe and assist in various general and orthopaedic surgeries, under supervision.

Within the obstetric and gynecology department, the student is required to take relevant history, carry out physical examination and formulate a pertinent diagnosis and management scheme. He/she may be permitted to view or assist in various procedures, under supervision. These may include: Normal deliveries, Caesarean sections, Tubal ligations and several others.

In any given rotation, a proactive liaison with the hospital staff and senior consultants is recommended.

Program Length:

4 weeks, including 4 days travelling to Nairobi and Safari to the famous Maasai Mara.

In the event that a student would like to rotate for a period greater than 4 weeks, a notification of the exact rotational period and the rotational sequence desired may be made to the program coordinators.

Orientation and getting your feet in:

Elective Africa and the respective hospitals will be responsible for adequately orienting students to their departments and identifying the patient care process within specific specialties. Particularly, this would involve reviewing the medical procedures in patient assessment and department procedures for providing patient care.

The hospital staff will serve as mentors for the students, outlining mechanisms for patient interaction, clinical evaluation and management protocols. The hospital staff continually assesses progress in the clinical accumen of the student and provides feedback to the students regarding clinical performance through their rotation.

Elective Africa takes great pride in the knowledge and experience gained by its students in the medical field. It is our steadfast aspiration that our students enjoy an extraordinary and unforgettable experience not only in the field of medical education but also find a remarkable treasure in the wonderful cultural experience we have to offer.

Accommodation and Meals:

The senior medical program carried out at Mombasa hosts students in luxurious apartments at the beachfront off the coastline of the island. These terrific, air-conditioned apartments with a magnificent view of the ocean are each fully-furnished with beds, television set, dining table, sea-view lounge ideal for discussions and kitchen fully-equipped with fridge, electric cooker and microwave oven.

Elective Africa assigns a chef is to the students and meals are served 3 times a day. Tea, coffee and snacks are served on request. Meal menus are flexible and may be chosen by the chef or by what the students collectively wish for.

Sea-lovers& do not miss out on this opportunity for adventure and learning!

It is our sincere desire that our students at Elective Africa be provided for an environment beneficial to their vital growth as competent doctors of service to the patients around them.

Highlights: Kenya is an incredible country to experience. The country boasts some of the most incredible natural wonders in the world as well as a warm culture with a rich heritage. Participants are welcomed into the community and work with local organizations. Many of the programs are based in Mombasa and in Migori town around L.Victoria. Elective Africa's staff are very knowledgeable and happy to help students to prepare for their travels. Students are met at the airport in Nairobi and provided with transportation to their projects base. Each program starts with a day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Kenya, a historical overview and introduction to culture, survival Swahili lessons among other important places to visit.

Elective Africa's coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Kenya. They are very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. Students will learn about the day to day rhythms of Kenyan life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants.

Qualifications: Interns must be pre-med or medical students. Volunteers must be medical professionals.

Cost in US$: Depends on duration taken.Please contact us for details.

All students will be met at the Airport on arrival.Students need to notify & give Elective Africa their full flight details prior to arrival.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: ElectiveAfrica medical students is one who is committed to making difference during their elective program. Participants should be keen to learn about other cultures, make new friends and all should be able to work closely with other staff in the hospital.

Age Range: 17 yrs and above

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

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 4-10

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Elective Africa's Mission Statement: Our mission is to provide and offer opportunities for both students and international volunteers to interact in development and educational programs thus enabling them to gain experience and build their capacities for their lives and that of future generations.

Year Founded: 2000