Why Medicine & Physiotherapy Bolivia?

Bolivia, landlocked in South America, is a cocktail of Andean peaks, tropical forests, bustling ex-colonial cities and peaceful traditional communities. Much of it is still far-removed from the tourist trail, yet Bolivia contains a wealth of stunning natural landscapes, colourful markets and Indian villages which are waiting to be explored.

Volunteering in Bolivia

Medical volunteers in Bolivia work at the Paediatric Burns Unit in Cochabamba Hospital and various health centres around the city. If you are a medical student or professional you can work alongside the doctors at the burns unit helping to treat and look after the patients. Those of you who have a particular interest in physiotherapy are able to spend time working with qualified physiotherapists. All volunteers can work at one of the health centres where you will be heavily involved with the local community; helping with vaccinations, check-ups and working with youth groups. You may also get the chance to spend time in the gynaecology and paediatrics departments. Whichever placement you participate in, you will have the opportunity to contribute a great deal while gaining valuable experience in medical practises.

Why Volunteer in a Medical Placement?

The medical projects we organise provide our volunteers with an incredibly interesting and eye opening experience. They are able to observe how the medical process works in a developing country, and more than that, they are actively involved in it.

Those who are looking to study medicine at university will find that by shadowing doctors and watching medical procedures they will learn a great amount on a placement and gain experience that would simply not be possible in their home country. The project is also open to elective students and depending on their level of experience it may be possible to assist on a practical level.

The doctors and nurses with whom the volunteers work really enjoy the cultural exchange that is brought by the volunteers and are more than happy for you to be involved in most aspects of their work in the hospital. This placement should be used as a wonderful opportunity to question doctors who are very willing to share their expertise and knowledge.