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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Good Health And Well-Being

Rural Medical Internship

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Live like a local in a host family!
  • Volunteer in healthcare clinics, assisting nurses and doctors
  • Get hands-on, working and interacting with patients

Highlights

  • Live like a local in a host family!
  • Volunteer in healthcare clinics, assisting nurses and doctors
  • Get hands-on, working and interacting with patients
  • Depending on experience, record patient vitals and perform health checks
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Healthcare professionals at rural medical clinics need the help of qualified or soon to be qualified volunteers, to assist the under-funded free healthcare clinic.

    Why is medical volunteer work in the Philippines important?
    Rural communities in Philippines have very little access to quality healthcare, and the busy centres are normally run off their feet and low on resources. In these areas usually one or two doctors and a handful of nurses have the ...

    About the program

    Why is medical volunteer work in the Philippines important?
    Rural communities in Philippines have very little access to quality healthcare, and the busy centres are normally run off their feet and low on resources. In these areas usually one or two doctors and a handful of nurses have the responsibility of looking after an entire community with thousands of people and limited resources. By volunteering you’re helping these underfunded clinic’s in providing manpower while gaining first-hand experience from qualified nurses and doctors.  

    The rural health unit clinics are one of the only sources of free healthcare available in these areas. Every single day new challenges present themselves in providing standard equipment, medicine, and healthcare supplies. This placement is geared for volunteers seeking medical experience or those with experience to help implement professional medical ideas and skills in a challenging yet rewarding environment.

    You will work in health clinics in rural towns outside Tacloban City. The clinics will benefit greatly from the services of volunteer medical professionals and qualified students. Volunteers who are needed include doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and medical and nursing students.

    Volunteer work depend on your qualifications and experience. In the past, volunteers have assisted in taking patient vitals, obtaining medical history, administering inoculations, assisting with minor surgery, helping with delivery, and conducting medical screens and exams. The services are generally provided at the clinic, although periodically outreach health services are provided to outlying areas.

    You may also be able to assist in other areas such as collecting statistical support for the nutrition project or delivering public health awareness seminars to various community groups.

    This program requires good initiative as the clinics are overwhelmed with patients and not enough doctors, and whilst the local doctors are great at what they do, they are understaffed and underfunded. The help of volunteers is very much welcome!

    Location
    Tacloban is approximately 360 miles from Manila. It’s the capital of the Province of Leyte and has a population of 275,000 people. The city offers international volunteers an opportunity to be immersed in a unique Asian culture, which is at least partially left untouched by Western Culture, especially in the rural areas. In November 2013, Tacloban was one of the most devastated areas of the Philippines when Super Typhoon Yolanda (Hayian) ravaged through the Philippines; therefore, the city and surrounding areas now present an even greater range of opportunities for international volunteers. Tacloban is easily accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through daily flights offered by Philippines Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air.

    Project Tasks
    • Record patient vitals
    • Obtaining medical history
    • Assisting with diagnosis
    • Shadowing doctors and nurses
    • Training, research and education
    • Dressing wounds
    • Administering inoculations
    • Conducting medical screens
    • General outpatient services
    • Preventative health education talks
    • Specialist services such as Obstetrics & Gynaecology
    • Health Promotion for Wellness activities

    Typical day

    Working hours are generally from 8am to 12pm, although you can do more if desired. 

    Each day can vary due to the needs at the time. You will be assisting the doctors with checking in patients and performing health checks, where experienced. 

    Typical day

    Working hours are generally from 8am to 12pm, although you can do more if desired. 

    Each day can vary due to the needs at the time. You will be assisting the doctors with checking in patients and performing health checks, where experienced. 

    Free-time activities

    Beaches of Boracay
    This small island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and pristine white sand beaches. White beach stretches for 4km and is a popular place to visit. There are plenty of cafes and nightlife, including fire throwers and live music at the bars.

    Bohol Chocolate Hills
    Take a ...

    Free-time activities

    Beaches of Boracay
    This small island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and pristine white sand beaches. White beach stretches for 4km and is a popular place to visit. There are plenty of cafes and nightlife, including fire throwers and live music at the bars.

    Bohol Chocolate Hills
    Take a visit to Bohol island, around an hour from Cebu, and check out the 1200 hills of all shapes and sizes. This stunning natural formation is quite a sight. You can hike or take an ATV ride up the hills.

    Diving
    The Philippines have many amazing dive spots, and some of the most pristine water in the world! With plenty of fish, coral reef and even whale sharks, this is a divers heaven. You can even learn to dive here.

    Twin Lagoon on Coron Island
    You may have seen images of this spectacular beauty spot online- and it doesn’t disappoint! As well as some incredible diving, you can also explore some stunning viewpoints, secluded beaches, or go on a boat tour around these turquoise blue waters.  

    Ziplining
    For those who love adventurous activities, why not try ziplining?! Check out the stunning one on El Nido, with beautiful views over the beach. It’s 750 metres and will give you that adrenaline kick for sure.

    Kayaking
    There are plenty of gorgeous places to kayak in the Philippines, and it’s secret lagoons are some of the best spots. Paddle your way through the stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

    Vigan Town
    This very pretty town has a Hispanic heritage that is evident as you walk through the artsy cobbled streets. Vigan town is on the island of Luzon and is a great weekend trip, with museums, cafes, workshops and quirky sights. For photographers, you can get some pretty shots at dawn, when the town is empty.

    Underground River, Palawan
    Puerto Princesa is a beautiful river that goes underground, through impressive limestone caves. Book a boat tour to take you through the caves.

    Manila
    The capital city, Manila is a hustling and bustling place, with plenty of culture. Be sure to check out the museums, art galleries, old buildings, cafes and bars.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    Medical at University level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Special Work Permit (SWP) if staying 4+ weeks

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Qualified professionals or medical students.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation
    • 2 meals per day (breakfast & dinner)
    • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at D. Z. Romualdez Airport

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tacloban airport before 6pm on the Sunday before your project.

    Please note, transportation to and from the program is not included. You can use the affordable public transport options or a taxi at your own cost. 

    Accommodation

    At the core of your experience is the friendly and warm accommodating local home stay, who have been accepting volunteers for over a decade. Life inside a homestay is not only safe and cost effective, but is also a great way to contribute to the local economy and to experience the true nature and culture of the Philippines. All homestays have electricity and running water.

    You will have a private room by yourself or shared with a fellow volunteer. Mosquito net, electric fan, bed linens and door lock are also provided. The bathroom will be shared with the family and will be basic with cold, bucket baths (hot running showers are uncommon in Philippines) as it’s so tropical and warm! All home stays are English speaking. The home stays have been thoroughly evaluated before being accepted into the program and have been in operation for several years. You will be able to experience the Filipino culture and participate in the daily life of a local.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and dinner are provided but volunteers will need to buy their own lunch which costs approx 50-80 pesos. Access to filtered drinking water will also be provided by your home stay. All meals will be served with rice and typically include fish, chicken or pork. Home stays can cater for special dietary restrictions, however we require advance notice so we can place you accordingly.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is D. Z. Romualdez Airport (TAC) in Tacloban. We assist you to find cheap flights to Philippines. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Philippines provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Philippines you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Philippines. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tacloban airport before 6pm on the Sunday before your project.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $495 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    I supported a loving team with daily tasks such as keeping the enclosures clean, shredding antelopes and feeding the kittens. Comments on ...

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Philippines > Tacloban

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Health Services  >  Medical Training in the Philippines
    Contact Lauren
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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