At a glance
This is your chance to make a real difference while experiencing healthcare in a completely new environment. Work side-by-side with local medical professionals in Tanzania's hospitals and clinics.
You'll gain invaluable experience, develop your clinical skills, and broaden your understanding of global healthcare challenges.
- Learn new skills in an international setting to boost your CV
- Grow your cultural competence working in a medical environment in a different culture
- Work closely with patients across a variety of medical settings
- Encounter infectious diseases 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
This elective is a unique opportunity to enhance your medical portfolio and gain a competitive edge. You'll return with a fresh perspective, improved clinical skills, and a deeper understanding of global healthcare.
Your Medical Elective in Tanzania
Immerse yourself in a medical elective that will shape your future.
This elective placement will connect students like you with Tanzanian medical facilities. Get experience, learn from local professionals, and make a real difference in underserved communities.
Tailor Your Elective
Focus your elective on a specific area of medicine that aligns with your career goals.
Speciality options include:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurosurgery
- Paediatrics & Paediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
- Anesthesiology
- 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
Arusha
You will intern in Arusha, working in a hospital or health clinic. Buildings and facilities are not always well-maintained, and communities might be less developed than you’re used to.
Arusha is a busy city with smaller, less developed communities in some areas. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, it is home to over 400,000 people.
With few medical staff and a busy, fast-paced environment, this placement is ideal for students with medical experience who want to assist in an understaffed hospital.
A day in the life of your Medical Elective in Tanzania
Mornings: Begin with rounds alongside the local medical team. You'll witness firsthand the complexities of tropical diseases and maternal health cases. Active participation is encouraged. You'll take patient histories, perform examinations, and discuss potential diagnoses in the outpatient department.
Afternoons: Observe local doctors in the medical wards and see how they manage cases with limited resources.
Evenings: Our dedicated Projects Abroad doctor leads sessions on tropical diseases prevalent in Tanzania. You'll explore critical health challenges, diagnostic techniques, and cultural contexts that shape medical practice in the region.
Placement aims and impact
You will gain
- Enhanced clinical skills: Develop your abilities in a challenging and resource-limited environment.
- Disease: Gain firsthand experience with tropical and infectious diseases rarely seen in the UK.
- Cultural competence: Learn to interact effectively with patients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
- Improved adaptability: Enhance your problem-solving skills in a dynamic setting.
- Global health portfolio: Build a unique and internationally-focused medical portfolio.
- Understanding health inequalities: Gain a deeper understanding of global health challenges.
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
Comfortable and secure accommodation in Arusha.
You'll stay with a welcoming host family in Arusha during your elective. You'll have a secure, comfortable room with Western-standard amenities.
- Single-sex shared rooms
- On-site staff support
Enjoy Delicious Meals
Experience the flavours of Tanzania.
Your host family will provide delicious meals featuring a blend of traditional Tanzanian and international cuisine.
- Breakfast: Eggs, toast, fruits, local bread
- Lunch: Rice or ugali, vegetables, meat or vegetarian options
- Dinner: Hearty meals with local and international flavours
Vegetarian and dietary requirements are catered for.
Meals are prepared using fresh, local ingredients. You're welcome to help with the cooking and learn to make some local dishes.
Leisure activities and free time
Included Activities
- Weekly group social events, such as cooking classes and drumming and dancing.
- Swahili language classes
- Cultural orientation workshops
- Guided city tours of Arusha
Optional Weekend Excursions (additional cost)
- Safari to Tarangire National Park
- Mount Kilimanjaro day trips
- Ngorongoro Crater tours
- Maasai village cultural experiences
- Lake Manyara wildlife watching
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. Mishaal Ally Kassu, Head of Medical Programmes, Projects Abroad Tanzania
Dr Mishaal Ally Kassu is dedicated to supporting your medical elective journey. She will provide expert guidance and mentorship and ensure you gain valuable clinical experience in Tanzania.
Professional Experience
- Doctor of Medicine (MBBS) from Sumy State Medical University, Ukraine
- Six years of clinical practice in government and private hospitals
- Extensive experience supporting medical interns across multiple medical departments
Professional Focus
- Primary healthcare service delivery
- Patient diagnosis and treatment
- Health promotion and disease prevention
- Chronic disease management
- Medical education and training
Specialist Areas
- Family Medicine
- Preventative Care
- Dermatology
- Public Health and Community Medicine
How Dr Kassu will help you
Dr Kassu is passionate about supporting international medical students. She is available to answer your questions, offer clinical insights, and help you make the most of your elective experience.
Request info.
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