Peru – Cuzco Health and Medical Care – Images

The city of Cuzco lies in the southeastern Andes Mountains and was the capital city of the Inca Empire of Peru. Today it is a bustling city and UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts more than one million tourists each year and is the gateway to the famous, ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Placements for this program are located in and around Cuzco. Certain placements may be as far as one hour away from the city.

Both healthcare and medical volunteers may be placed in local hospitals, clinics, elder homes or related institutions that are located both in the city of Cuzco.

The healthcare placement is suitable for students of health science, students in nursing school, pre-med students and students in their first two years of medical school. Healthcare volunteers will be involved in tasks such as providing companionship, distributing medications, leading workshops, leading discussions or leading arts and crafts and related activities for elders or people with disabilities. Volunteers in this placement may also partake in dental or physical therapy placements (previous expereince required).

The medical placement is suitable for both licensed medical professionals as well as students in their third or fourth year of medical school. Volunteers in the medical placement may be involved in more hands-on tasks such as taking vital signs, updating patient records, shadowing other medical professionals, partaking in medical campaigns and vaccination programs and/or assisting with check-ups and triage.

Some of your tasks may include:

• Providing companionship for patients
• Distributing medications
• Assisting with general check-ups
• Taking vital signs
• Organizing and updating patient records
• Shadowing medical staff

Please note: Volunteer activities depend on previous experience, training and language skills.

Medical professional volunteers are typically placed at a national clinic for primary and emergency care, or in an assisted living facility. Due to medical laws, professional volunteers are not allowed to practice fully and freely, however your help can greatly benefit the projects still.

Medical professionals can expect to do the following in their placement:
– Work alongside a nurse, doctor, therapist, or other medical professional with consultations
– Do triage, clean wounds, draw blood samples, give sutures and injections
– Provide general care and companionship to patients (talking, feeding, bathing)
– Distribute or sort medicine, teach patients about their medicine
– Clean or prepare materials and equipment, including changing beds
– Assist with administrative work and filing, recording patient data

Holidays: While the project remains open throughout the year, activities and volunteer schedules may vary on the holidays. For specific dates, please consult with our placement coordinators.

Typical Schedule: Volunteers will work 3-4 hours per day, either a morning or afternoon shift, Monday-Friday. Schedules are subject to change depending on the current needs of the program.

Internet: Internet is available at some host families for an additional fee and at the institute in Cuzco for free.

Laundry: Laundry is available for an additional fee at host families or at local laundromats.

Accommodations: Volunteers with will stay in shared, single-gender rooms with a host family. Rooms accommodate up to four volunteers.

Food: Breakfast and dinner are provided every day. Certain diets can be accommodated if notice is given in advance.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Minimum age of 18
• Police clearance
• For the health care placement, volunteers must be pre-med, nursing or health science students
• For the dentistry and physical therapy placements, volunteers must be at least pre-med students
• For the medical placement, volunteers must be licensed medical professionals or those in their third or fourth year of medical school and provide proof of medical education, training, certifications and licenses
• Must be flexible and open-minded
• Good level of physical fitness

On the weekends, you can travel to Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley, the Amazon Jungle, and many more great destinations! There are several activities offered by the local team as well, which are listed below.

Spanish Language Immersion—1 to 24 weeks of Spanish in small group or private classes

Mini Adventure—Catch the best highlights of Peru on this week-long tour including a Cusco city tour, Sacred Valley tour, Moray Ruins, tour of Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. programs. Prices available upon request.

Please note that there is an additional fee for these programs. Prices available upon request.