At a glance
Are you a medical student looking for a unique and rewarding experience? Our program in Cambodia offers the chance to work alongside local doctors and nurses in a different country. You'll gain exposure to conditions rarely seen in the UK, and develop valuable cultural competence.
- Learn new medical skills in an international setting to add to your CV
- Boost your cultural competence working in a healthcare setting within a different culture
- Work closely with patients across a variety of medical settings
- Get experience of tropical and infectious diseases that are rarely seen in the UK
- Contribute to community health initiatives and patient care
- Support with your Global Health Elective paperwork, including application form, learning agreement, and ethics
- Contribute to initiatives that improve the health of local communities
Keep reading to understand how you will develop as a healthcare professional on this exciting elective placement in Cambodia.
Your Medical Elective in Cambodia
Are you a medical student looking to broaden your horizons? Our Cambodia elective provides real-world experience in a diverse healthcare setting. You'll work alongside local professionals, gaining valuable insights into global health challenges.
Tailor Your Experience
Focus your elective on your passion. Whether it's paediatrics, neurosurgery, or another speciality, we can help you design a placement that aligns with your career goals.
We offer placements in:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurosurgery
- Paediatrics & Paediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
- Anaesthetics
- And many more!
Your elective. Your focus. Your future.
Speak with our team to discuss your interests and create an elective that will provide the most relevant and enriching experience possible.
Location
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a magnificent city along the banks of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong Rivers. With many historical sites that detail the events of the Khmer Rouge era, the city is definitely one for history enthusiasts.
Despite Cambodia’s history of war, the city is rapidly developing to keep up with an expanding population and growing tourism industry. It can be an intriguing mix of traditional and modern life in some places. And, around every corner, your nose will be lead to some of the most delicious Cambodian food.
As you walk the streets, you’ll be greeted by saffron-clad monks, chaotic traffic, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. You can spend time at the many Buddhist temples, sample delicious fish amok or Cambodian chicken curry, or visit one of the local markets and modern malls. And only a few hours away, lie the grand Angkor Wat Temples. It’s a trip you can’t miss!
A day in the life of your Medical Elective in Cambodia
Mornings: Start your day with morning rounds alongside the local medical team. You'll observe complex cases and gain insights into the unique challenges involved in delivering healthcare in Cambodia.
Afternoons: Spend your afternoons in the outpatient departments. Under the guidance of experienced doctors, participate in patient consultations, take histories, and perform basic examinations.
Evenings: Deepen your understanding of healthcare delivery in Cambodia with evening training sessions led by our Projects Abroad doctor, Dr Hour.
Placement aims and impact
You will gain
- Clinical skills: Develop your skills in a challenging and rewarding environment.
- Global health: Gain exposure to unique tropical health challenges.
- Cultural competence: Enhance your ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Adaptability: Improve your problem-solving skills in a different healthcare setting.
- Career advancement: Build a standout medical portfolio with international experience.
- Global perspective: Gain a deeper understanding of global health inequalities.
You will give back
- Healthcare support: Provide essential support to local healthcare professionals.
- Accessibility: Enhance healthcare access in rural areas.
- Community health: Support ongoing health initiatives.
- Health education: Contribute to valuable health education programmes.
How we measure our impact
We measure our success through the number of patients supported, community health screenings conducted, educational workshops delivered, and long-term health education initiatives established.
Accommodation & Food
Accommodation:
- Shared apartments in Phnom Penh
- Secure, comfortable rooms
- Single-sex shared rooms
- Local amenities with Western standards
- On-site staff support
Delicious meals:
Enjoy a mix of traditional Cambodian and international cuisine throughout your stay.
- Breakfast: Start your day with local breads, eggs, and fresh fruits.
- Lunch: Enjoy rice, vegetables, and your choice of meat or vegetarian options.
- Dinner: Experience hearty meals featuring local recipes.
We can accommodate any dietary requirements. Just let us know in advance!
Leisure activities and free time
Included Activities
- Weekly social events, such as meditation sessions and Khmer Boxing matches
- Khmer language classes
- Cultural orientation workshops
- Guided city tours of Phnom Penh
Optional Weekend Excursions (additional cost)
- Angkor Wat temple complex visit
- Tonle Sap Lake exploration
- Cambodian countryside tours
- Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum educational visits
Dedicated medical supervision
Throughout your placement, you'll be supported by our dedicated Projects Abroad medical doctor.
This experienced professional:
- Provides comprehensive on-site medical oversight
- Guides your clinical learning and experience
- Ensures your safety and professional development
- Acts as a bridge between you and local medical staff
- Offers regular debriefing and reflection sessions
- Provides additional medical context and learning opportunities
Meet Dr. Hour Samrithsela, Head of Medical Programmes, Projects Abroad Cambodia
Dr. Hour Samrithsela is your dedicated Medical Supervisor. He's a specialist in paediatrics with extensive experience in emergency medicine and critical care. Dr. Hour is passionate about supporting international medical students and ensuring they have a rewarding elective experience.
Professional Experience
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the International University of Medicine and Science, Cambodia
- Specialist in Paediatrics, Cambodia
- Extensive experience in emergency medicine and paediatric pneumology
Professional Focus
- Paediatric care, particularly upper respiratory tract infections
- Comprehensive patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
- Emergency medicine and critical care for children
- Ongoing specialist training in paediatrics medicine
Specialist Areas
- Paediatrics
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
- Emergency and Pneumology
How Dr. Hour will help you
Dr. Hour is passionate about supporting international medical students. He can answer your questions, share insights from his paediatric and emergency medicine experience, and ensure you gain meaningful clinical exposure during your elective in Cambodia.
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