Medical Volunteer in South Africa

Medical Volunteer in South Africa

Ridhi

Our medical volunteer program in South Africa caters to medical and nursing participants of all levels (enrolled at Medical School or University already) or Pre-med students (planning to start medical school) and provides a comprehensive insight into the medical system of South Africa with immense learning opportunities. From beginners in Year 1 who have an interest (but no experience) in the field, to advanced 5th year students looking for specific specialisations, we have all the bases covered.
You will be volunteering at one of the biggest community health clinics in the Western Cape. It has a 24-hour Emergency Centre and Maternity Obstetrics Unit (MOU). It has a large catchment area that stretches into the deep south and serves over 500 patients a day in the outpatients' clinics. This ranges from the Hypertension Clinic, HIV&AIDS Centre Paediatric Clinics, to School Health. The facility has a number of doctors and qualified nurse practitioners that students can observe. Volunteers will be placed on a rotation basis between the various departments.

Medical Volunteer in South Africa Gallery


What is involved


For this medical placement you will be living in the gorgeous Cape Town.

Retreat Community Health Centre (RTCHC)is one of the biggest community health clinics in the Western Cape. It has a 24-hour Emergency Centre and Maternity Obstetrics Unit (MOU). Retreat has a large catchment area that stretches into the deep south. 

RTCHC serves over 500 patients a day in the outpatients' clinics. This include Hypertension Clinic, X-ray, HIV&AIDS Centre, TB Centre, Paediatric Clinics, Psychiatry, Social workers, School Health, OT, Physio, etc. 

The facility has a number of doctors and qualified Nurse Practitioners that students can observe. They can also be placed on a rotation basis between the various departments, clinics, medical professionals, Trauma Ward, Dressing Room, Triage Room, etc. 

Some of the medical tasks you will be doing include:

  • Observation in a community health center Working alongside medical doctors, nursing sisters, etc.
  • Observe what they do in their consulting Room.
  • Assisting in the Triage Room to check vital signs of patients and sending them to see doctors according to urgency of their illness or injury.
  • Assisting in the Trauma Room with tasks assigned by senior in charge / doctor.
  • Observing in HIV & AIDS section and assisting with administration of tests.
  • Observing in Maternity and Obstetrics Unit.
  • Assisting in clinics to educate parents / patients Assisting in pharmacy

Monday: Assist at hospital

Tuesday: Assist at hospital

Wednesday: Assist at hospital

Thursday: Assist at hospital

Friday: Assist at hospital

Saturday: Off

Sunday: Off

PLEASE NOTE THAT BECAUSE OF COVID-19 AND SUDDEN CHANGES IN REGULATIONS YOUR ITINERARY MAY NEED TO BE ADJUSTED OR CHANGED UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT NOTICE.

Some details


2022 2022 2022 2022 2023 2023
January April July October January April
8, 15, 22, 29 2, 16 2, 9, 16, 23 8, 15, 22 7, 14, 21, 28 8, 22
February May August November February May
5, 12,19, 26 7, 21 6, 13, 20 5, 12, 19, 26  4, 11, 18, 25 6, 20
March June September December March June
5, 12 11, 18, 25   17, 24  3 4 , 25 10 , 17, 24

What your first three days looks like


Day One: Arrival day

Pool area- South Africa House
You are collected from the airport and taken to the 5-star Saltycrax Backpackers. You will be shown around and given a map of the area. You have the day at your own leisure so you can explore the beach, shops, bars and restaurants. In the evening you are served a Welcoming meal at the hostel.

Day Two - Area Orientation

South Africa Volunteers on table mountain
Start the day with breakfast at Saltycrax Backpackers. Your friendly Saltycrax staff member will teach you about the bus system before you head out to Cape Town City Center. Do a walking tour visiting historical sites like the Castle of Good Hope and the Grand Parade. Alternatively you can take the cable car up Table Mountain and enjoy breath-taking views of the city. In the evening head back on the local bus to Table View where you can join the staff, guests and the locals at one of the restaurants or bars along the beachfront in Table View – all within rolling distance from the hostel where you will be staying the night

Day Three- Start Project Work

Medical Students in Sri Lanka with scrubs
After breakfast you will be transported to your project.

Weekend activities


Surfing

Surf and sport - South Africa volunteer
Take surfing lessons at the sandy white beaches of Blouberg or Muizenburg (weather permitting of course!)

Cape Town Walking Tour

South Africa- Cape Town Tour
Take a guided walk through the city to learn the history from the days of Dutch settlement though the Apartheid years.

Wine Country

South Africa Stellenbosch
Meander through stunning landscapes and wine farms of Stellenbosch. Stop at wine estates for tastings.

Cape Point

cape-point-South Africa
Follow the scenic coastal roads of the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point where the two oceans meet.

Testimonial Videos


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