MedForce: Medics Overseas

Location

Fiji is an archipelago in the South Pacific that encompasses over 300 stunning islands. With their tropical beaches, amazing diving opportunities, and an interesting blend of cultures, the islands are a popular travel destination. Our camp is situated on Nasonisoni Island, a small island just off of Vanua Levu. The second largest island in Fiji, Vanua Levu has idyllic beaches, beautiful reefs, and a rugged inland interior. Vanua Levu’s largest town is Savusavu. Nasonisoni itself is a more private and remote island, with only one major village.

Project Information

Our camp in Fiji hosts Greenforce volunteers who are part of a marine survey and diving programme. Working in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Greenforce Fiji is surveying the reefs surrounding this remote South Pacific Island to create a UNESCO Seascape multi-use protected reserve.

As a medical elective student or medical volunteer, you will assist the medic in the task of looking after the camp health and hygiene and treating minor injuries sustained on the project.

As the expedition medic you will be the member of staff responsible for ensuring that injuries and illnesses are treated and you will also supervise any medical volunteers on the project.

There may also be the opportunity to work at a medical clinic on the island and gain experience of rural medicine whist also providing valuable help to the local communities. Further details of this coming soon!

Medical volunteers and medics can also take part in diving trips with the conservation volunteers, so this is a great chance to pick up some PADI dive qualifications too!

You may be involved in the following:
• Treating cuts and wounds sustained during diving expeditions or around the island
• Treating insect bites
• Treating illnesses or viruses
• Providing basic medical assistance in local communities
• Offering basic health education in local communities

A Typical Day
You will generally work between 7.30 in the morning and 4.30 in the afternoon, with an hour lunch break. Please note, however, that your schedule may vary slightly from day to day, depending on the work you are doing.

Accommodation
You will stay in traditional grass bures, just like the locals. Although basic, they are comfortable and a great cultural experience. The camp has a big open communal bure and a dining area. The showers are bucket showers where you scoop water over your head – a very natural experience that lets you shower under the moonlight or fresh morning sky! Electricity is available for a few hours in the evening when the generator is on.

Meals
All meals are provided during your stay. They will be based on local produce and rich in vegetables, meat, and very fresh fish. Vegetarians and vegans are easily catered for. You will take it in turns to cook, so it is up to you to use your imagination!

Getting there
You will fly into Savusavu Airport or Labasa Airport, where you will be picked up by our co-ordinators. To get to Savusavu or Labasa airports, you will fly via Nadi Airport, which is the only international airport in Fiji.

Support
Throughout your stay, you will be assisted by our volunteer co-ordinator. As a medical elective student, you will be assisted by a professional medic.

Highlights

- Learn about tropical health care issues
- Gain valuable hands-on medical experience
- Raise awareness on health issues in local villages
- Immerse yourself in the rich and interesting Fijian cultures
- Explore the beautiful Fijian islands
- Get the opportunity to scuba dive in the crystal blue Pacific Ocean

Requirements

This project is suitable for the following categories:

	Category 2: Medical students on electives
	Category 3: Fully qualified doctors or nurses

To qualify for the professional placement, you will have to go through a selection procedure. Please send and email to info@medforce.info and ask for an application form.

Price

 If you are selected as a professional medic on this programme, there will be no charge. However, you will have to pay for your own flights and insurance.

 For medical elective students and medical volunteers, the prices are as follows:

£2,000  4 weeks

£2,200  6 weeks
£2,400  8 weeks
£2,500 10 weeks

For hospital placements add £250

Dive training
PADI Open Water, PADI Advanced Open Water and Emergency First Response (EFR) - £300.

If you are already Open Water and need Advanced and EFR - £150.

If you are already Advanced and need EFR - £50.

Prices include all training materials and exam fees.

Included

Included in the price are:
• Accommodation
• Three meals a day
• Airport transfers
• Constant guidance and assistance by a volunteer co-ordinator
• Your personal web page which provides you with all necessary pre-departure information
• A Medforce t-shirt
• A brief orientation programme on arrival

Not Included

Not included in the price are:
• Flights
• Insurance
• Spending money

Maps

Nasonisoni is the name of the remote island on which most of your time will be spent.