Medical Work Experience Projects in Kenya

It is difficult to be specific about the day-to-day work you will do because work is so varied and spread across many areas. The hospitals are very busy with a multitude of duties and responsibilities, so you will probably be worked very hard in most areas! The experience you gain in Kenya will be a lot different to anything you may have been used to and will be an excellent entry on your CV.

Download and print additional
information on this project
►in .pdf format
►in Word format

The type of work you will be allocated will depend to an extent on your own abilities and capabilities, which is understandable given that you will be dealing with patient health and safety.

You will be involved in aspects of the day-to-day running of the hospitals, observing or directly assisting, where possible. You can help out in simple but practical ways, vastly increasing your own knowledge and understanding of medical practice.

As a volunteer your work may take you into all departments (depending on which hospital you're placed in), e.g. surgery, burns unit, ICU, Physiotherapy, X-ray, and even the mortuary to name just a few. However, if you're not qualified, you won't be allowed into operating theatres.

You will get a good general feel of the hospital by working and/or observing in most departments.

Your hours may vary insofar as they will be subject to shift rotas. Normally you will work from 9-5 Monday to Friday. However, you may sometimes work evenings or nights, sometimes over weekends, etc., but you will have time off on other days instead.

Another aspect of your work may be to help and assist the local doctors and nurses with their daily rounds, making medical notes and updating records. You could also be asked to help with computer entries, and help clean equipment and various areas within the hospital.

You will be given basic and general on the job training by your supervisor, and further jobs should become available for those with medical experience.

ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING IN MOMBASA

Colourful Matatu, the local transport

Your accommodation will vary, but you will most likely live with a local family. This will give you the opportunity to experience the true African experience from the inside and not just as a "tourist" on the surface of the country.

You will most likely be placed close to your work, which will enable you to go home for lunch if you want to. Many Kenyans choose to eat locally for lunch on roast meat called "nyama choma" - a delicacy that you'll talk about for a long time!

Mombasa is the second most important city in Kenya (after Nairobi) It is the main port for Kenya and the surrounding countries, as well as being the oldest town. The pace of life is relaxed and people of Mombasa enjoy themselves (particularly on Friday and Saturday nights!).

A spectacular coral reef run for 480 km along the palm-fringed coastline. The waters below are filled with marine life, while up above a huge diversity of birdlife occupies the mangrove forests or overhanging cliffs.

The beaches of Kenya have become one of the world's great playgrounds, with plenty of opportunities for water sports or simply sunbathing. More than half of the country's international hotels are based along the Coast. The sun shines all year round and the diversity of activities is unequalled.

Another factor that makes Mombasa a wonderful place to visit is the exciting nightlife. There are many nightclubs situated along the North and South Coasts of the town, all of which have different themes that cater to different crowds. Many hotels also have their own entertainment events

In the heart of the town is where most hospitals, businesses, banks, shops and markets are situated. Being a small town (about half a million population), Mombasa does not have a subway system. However one can easily get around using the local bus service; or for a “truly Kenyan experience” a ride in a “Matatu”- which is quite a unique adventure.