Medical Clinic Near Machalilla National Park, Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Flexible, year round

Description: If you are a medical student or are considering a career in health care or medicine, this is an ideal opportunity to gain experience with a Spanish speaking population, which helping to ensure that even Ecuador's poorest populations receive the same quality health care as its more affluent communities.

This small health clinic and hospital serves a large number of patients each day. By providing general care to children and adults as well as more specialized medical attention through surgeries and treatments, the clinic hopes to serve the neediest population. Often times, patients come seeking medical attention but must wait hours due to the long lines and understaffed facilities. It is with the volunteer's help that more patients can receive the quality care they deserve.

You will work side by side with Ecuadorian medical personnel. You will stay with a carefully screened and welcoming host family, giving you insight into daily life in Ecuador.

Our staff in the US are experienced volunteers themselves who are happy to share their experiences and expertise with prospective volunteers. Our partner staff in Ecuador are friendly, caring and dedicated to ensuring that all volunteers have a rewarding experience.

The clinic is located in Manglaralto, just 30 minutes south of Machalilla National Park, and about 2 hours north of Guayaquil. All volunteers will be met at the airport in Quito, given an orientation and overnight stay, and then taken to the bus station the following day to travel to Manglaralto.

Highlights:
- Homestay with a carefully screened, welcoming host family
- Three meals daily
- Support of friendly, experienced staff in the US and in Ecuador
- Comprehensive accident and medical insurance
- 24 hour emergency support

Qualifications: Volunteers will be working side by side with the doctors and nurses in different areas of the hospital. Normally starting in the emergency room, volunteers have the chance to get comfortable with the hospital and using their Spanish. They will learn how to take vital signs, do minor suturing, remove stitches, and take blood samples. Afterwards, they may move on to other areas like pediatrics, obstetrics, internal medicine, or surgery depending on where help is needed and on his or her interests. Specific duties will also depend on his or her level of Spanish and previous experiences and educational background.

Experience or education in health care or medicine is highly preferred, although those with no medical experience may be able to assist with administrative duties. An intermediate level of Spanish is required. Spanish lessons are available prior to the volunteer project in Quito for an additional fee.

Cost in US$: Starts at USD900

Experience Required: yes

Experience and/or education in medicine or health care is highly desired, although those with no experience may be able to assist with administrative duties.

Typical Volunteer: Greenheart Travel volunteers are caring and flexible people who are interested in a true cultural exchange experience.

Age Range: 18 and over

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

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement: Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded: 1985