Medical Electives in Africa

www.electiveafrica.com info@electiveafrica.com

Medical Student Program Details

Elective Africa - Medical Student Program Details Elective Africa is a leading organizer of medical elective placements in Africa. We have been working for over 10 years with teaching hospitals, rural hospitals and community health centers in Africa to provide current and aspiring medical and healthcare students a rare opportunity for a hands-on learning experience, cultural exchange, and medical volunteering in Africa. The Medical Program is specifically tailored for both senior and junior medical students based on the specialty they decide to rotate through. Elective Africa Program Highlights

1. A supervised, structured and safe elective program abroad 2. Program is designed in an established network of teaching hospitals and monitored by

consultant doctors and registered nurses. We encourage clinical directors and student co-coordinators to work with us to customize an elective experience that meets unique institutional requirements

3. We evaluate our participants during and at the end of the program (please see our information booklet for our evaluation form) to ensure that program objectives are met

4. Opportunity for hands-on experience is unmatched; depending on level of study and clinical exposure, our participants get extensive hands-on experience in a supervised setting

5. We have strong relationships with hospitals in which we place our students and the doctors that they work with, ensuring a very productive experience The students acquire an invaluable opportunity to work in a low resource setting which supports character development and benefits the local community

Elective Africa Program Objectives: Elective Africa’s medical students’ program objectives are designed to provide participants with opportunities to enhance the various components of their medical education in a clinical setting and with extensive hands-on experience that they would not get in their own countries. Our program objectives adopts the Accredited Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competencies framework, which includes

Senior Medical Student from Medical University of Bialystok, Norway at Mt Meru Regional Hospital, Arusha, TZ

Patient Care

Medical Knowledge

Practical based learning

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Professionalism

System based practice

Domain General Program Objective

Patient Care Program participants will enhance and practice skills such as • History taking • General and physical examination • Developing differentials • Comprehensive assessment of conditions and recommendations for care • Patient management Observe and assist in medical procedures • Proper disposition and follow up

Medical Knowledge

Participants will get opportunity to demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving medical sciences and application to patient care

• Participate in investigating and analyzing clinical problems • Participate in case presentations, lectures, and conferences • Feedback and direction from mentoring physicians

Practice Based Learning

Participants will get a chance to investigate and evaluate their patient care practices, appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, and improve their practices

• Self directed learning during the elective program • Locate and assimilate studies related to patient health problems • Evaluation of literature

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Participants will get opportunity to demonstrate and enhance interpersonal and communication skills necessary for patient care

• Communicate effectively to create a therapeutic relationship with patient • Work effectively with other medical professionals

Professionalism Participants will get an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to professional responsibilities, ethical behavior, and sensitivity to patient

Systems Based Practice

Participants get an opportunity to experience healthcare in a different settings, and to compare and contrast healthcare in their home county to healthcare delivery and access in elective countries such as Kenya

Program Specialties Include:

Sample procedures that program participants are likely to observe or assist in

Specialty Sample Procedures or sessions to observe and / or assist in as appropriate

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Obstetric history taking, ward rounds, partography, leopolds maneuver, normal delivery, observe, caesarian section , tubal ligations, antenatal care clinic consultation, high risk antenatal care clinic consultation, labor induction methods, post-op care, gynecological history taking, speculum exam, pap smear, high vaginal swab , trace pap smear sample route from patient through lab and pathology, hsb, salpingectomy, mva, D&C, GOPC consult, FP consult, Management of labor and interventions, Assisted delivery- forceps, Vacuum, Episiotomy, endometrial biopsy, myomectomy, ectopic pregnancies, hysterectomies- total and subtotal

Medicine History taking and physical examination, logical and evidence based

diagnosing and management, literature review, ward rounds, radiographic interpretations, IV cannulation, nasogastric tube insertion, phlebotomy, stomach irrigation and enemas, lumbar puncture, urethral catheterization, pleural tap, ascitic tap, prepare and view MPS, CCC consult

Accident, Emergency, & Trauma

History and physical examination, acute and critical care management, ACLS, primary and secondary trauma assessments, radiographic interpretation, suturing, minor surgery, catheterization, IV placements, chest tubes, incision and drainage, nasogastric tube insertion, lumbar puncture, orthopedic reductions, dressing, casting, admissions and

1) Medicine 2) General Surgery 3) Obstetrics & Gynecology 4) Pediatrics 5) Accident, Emergency, & Trauma 6) Psychiatry 7) ENT 8) Ophthalmology 9) Gender Violence & Recovery Centers

10) Orthopedics / Osteopathy 11) Physiotherapy 12) Radiology 13) Hematology 14) Tropical Medicine & Infectious Diseases 15) Immunology 16) Gross Pathology 17) HIV Medicine

dispositions Psychiatric Psychiatric history taking, general and systemic examination, ward

rounds, IV cannulation, sedation, restraint, electroconvulsive therapy, group therapy, psychotherapy, family therapy, psychiatric emergencies, acute psychosis

ENT Intubation, tonsillectomies, adenoidectomy, tracheostom Pediatrics Pediatric and neonatal history and physical examinations, literature

review, ward rounds, radiographic interpretations, calculation of fluidsfor a dehydrated child, calculation of feeds for a malnourished child, neonatal care, pediatric outpatient consult, expanded immunization programs, nasogastric tube insertion, phlebotomy, lumbar puncture

Surgery History taking and physical examination, radiographic interpretation,

ward rounds, suprapubic catheterization, chest tube insertion, excision/incision biopsies, fluid calculation for burns patients, suturing, incision & drainage, POP application, laparotomies, open fracture and dislocation reduction, surgical toilets, urethral catheterization

Surgery procedures at Coast Province General Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya

Summary of Program Schedule

Timing Activities Day 1 & 2 • Arrival: Picked up from the airport by our representative and taken

to student residence – comfortable shared basic accommodation • Residence orientation, including introduction to staff that will be

taking care of you during your stay • Local orientation on surroundings - where to shop, groceries, access

internet, transportation, communication, etc • Basic Swahili lessons • Overview of program rules and regulations • Welcome beach and BBQ

Day 3 Program content introduction ¾ Keynote speaker ¾ Overview and discussion of healthcare system in host country ¾ Introduction to program professional mentors ¾ Introductions to basics such as using stethoscope for those ¾ needing introduction ¾ Introduction visit to the hospital and meeting staff you will be

working with Days 4 through 29

• Hands on experience in participant’s respective departments, see above for sample medical and/or surgical experience students will obtain

• Lectures, case presentations, clinical skills labs • Feedback and assessment from physician mentors • Opportunity to rotate through additional specialties of interest

One weekend • Participate in select community service projects; projects are always ongoing and participants can participate during their free time

One extended weekend

• Trip to the Masai Mara, including a stop to a Masai Village

Day 29 • Debrief sessions, evaluation, and review. Departure BBQ Day 30 • Departure

• Pick up at the student resident by one of our representatives and taken to departure point

Exact timing for the community project and the safari components of the program may change depending on the

logistical needs of each participating group

Medical students from Poznan University of Medical Sciences & the University of IOWA during their

safari tours

Program Evaluation of Students

Students are evaluated on the following criteria by mentoring faculty:

History Taking

Physical & Mental Status Examination

Oral Presentations

Record Keeping

Fund of Knowledge & Understanding of Disease

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Problem Solving and Clinical Application

Relationships with Patients

Professional Relationships

Attitudes and Behaviors

Basic Placement Requirements

Program Calendar The standard indicative calendar can be found on our website; we understand that individual constraints may not allow participation within these dates. We are flexible enough to accommodate your individual schedule needs. Session schedule subject to change NOTE: this is our standard indicative / preferred program calendar. Individual schedule needs can be

accommodated. Session schedule is subject to change.

To apply: http://www.electiveafrica.com/apply

Must be at least 18 years of age

Full payment of program fee 3 (three) months prior to starting the program

A non refundable deposit of $300 that is deductible from the total program fee

Duly completed online application form

A signed letter on a letter head from the school/institution showing they are bona fide students at that institution

For medical camps Doctors must show proof of medical qualification e.g. certificates of qualification or copies of practitioners’ license

Students must show evidence of enrollment in school such a nursing / medical program

Wake up and prepare breakfast with other participants as you get ready for the day

7:00 am –Breakfast

Driven to the hospital for a morning meeting with the Doctor, Nurse, Consultant in charge

8:00 am 7:00 pm- Bed time

After dinner enjoy some free time where you will get a change to explore and hang out with other participants or check in with friends and family back home

8.30 am- Noon

Internal medicine, Surgery, Emergency, Obs-Gyn wards rotations (i.e. your area of interest) First surgery of the day (Scrub-in, observe, assist)

1.00 pm

Lunch break one can decide to either go back to the hospital or do other activities

Add-On Activities: Orphanage visit, Tree planting, Community outreach, teaching at the local school

2:00 pm

4:00 pm

Return to the residence & grab a book & a comfortable spot or prepare for your next day until dinner time

6:00 pm

Sit down for dinner with the other participants and enjoy a healthy &authentic local cuisine

24 HOURS With

Elective Africa

A Days Schedule with Elective Africa

Featured Testimonials

Simon Ho, Thomas Yang and Andrew Albantow, Deakin University Australia, August 30, 2013

The Mombasa Medical Experience

Before arriving at the Elective Africa residence we did not know what to expect, but as soon as we arrived and was greeted by staff, we felt welcome. The program was very well organized; we were given an excellent orientation of the hospital and area. Elective Africa contributed to the great experience we had in Kenya, We were able to make friends with not only the multiple international students at the residence but also with the staff. We thoroughly recommend the program in Mombasa, Kenya; the program exceeded our expectations and contributed to one of the greatest experiences we have had in our lives.

Chad Schuety, Junior Medical Student from IOWA University, United States August 23, 2013

The Arusha Medical Experience

The Elective Africa program in Arusha is a unique and wonderful opportunity for Medical Students. The hospital and Staff are great and provide instruction for students of all year’s .Additionally, the city of Arusha is a great area to live in and embrace the culture of Tanzania.

Sara Ernster, Luther College, United States, 04-Feb-2013

This program helped me get acquainted with the medical world before I even stepped into medical school; I got to do things that wouldn't be possible in America. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming and I felt at home. It was very hard to say goodbye to everyone when I left, even after only weeks; I will miss everyone and EA very much!

Kieran Crowle, St. George's Medical School, United Kingdom, June 03, 2013

I chose to do my elective in Tanzania with Elective Africa due to the vastly different opportunities I thought it would give me in comparison to the UK. Over my four week period I got to experience a completely different healthcare system in hands on manner. I was made to feel part of the team by both the Junior and Senior members of staff at the hospital. I was able to learn and practice skills and techniques not normally offered to medical students. I also had a fantastic experience outside of the hospital. Although a surprise to me at first the nightlife in and around Arusha was great. There are a number of bars, clubs and restaurants that cater to a wide variety of tastes. In my four weeks in Arusha I was also able to visit national parks, waterfalls, orphanages and volunteer at a local school. After my four week elective I went to Zanzibar and also had a fantastic experience. Overall my time with Elective Africa was very

positive and I would advise anyone considering Arusha and Mt. Meru Hospital to go for it! Kieran

Chioma Okekpe, Univ. of Pikeville-KY College of Osteopathic, United States, April 18, 2013

My overall experience was truly amazing. I would recommend this program to anyone who interested in traveling abroad especially those individuals and students in health care. In the hospital you are allowed to do much more than that we are allowed in the states; we are allotted a good deal of autonomy and freedom to get hands on experience in almost every aspect and especially in the hospital. The hospital staff are very welcoming, enthusiastic about teaching and introducing you to those diseases and conditions we usually only read about. Elective Africa does a good job of making you feel comfortable during your stay .We are picked up from the airport as well as provided rides to and from the hospital every day. The housing far exceeded my expectations; cleaned every day, linens changed weekly, cable and hot water. The food was great; dinner was prepared fresh every night. The residence is in close proximity to a shopping complex with several restaurants, a movie theatre, grocery store, clothing stores, ATMs and frees Wi-Fi. Finally, if you have the chance you must take advantage of the opportunity to go on safari, travel into town, and if time permits (it didn’t for me) visit Zanzibar. Working with Elective Africa was probably one of best decisions I have made and one of the most rewarding experiences I

Yancey Warren, UNC School of Medicine, North Carolina, United States, July 18, 2013

Tanzania has been life - changing for me. The people here are so incredibly warm and welcoming. Since day one, I have been ushered in with open arms. The nurses and doctors of the labor and delivery ward have taken me under their wings and made sure was exposed to everything and given ample opportunity to practice procedures and learn the medicine behind labor and delivery. The medicine gave me independence to work on my own when they trusted the work I was doing. An apprenticeship like this does not exist. Leaving here is so incredibly sad because everything about the Tanzanian way of life is so much more people- centered. The value of conversations and sharing experiences like eating and spending time is so much significant here and I feel like I have learnt to be a better human just after 5 short weeks .If anything, I wish I would have come for much longer than 5 weeks.

Thank you Elective Africa thank you Tanzania.