Work In a Medical/Healthcare Project in Brazil

Project at A Glance

Location:  Salvador Start/End Point:  Salvador Duration:  2-12 Weeks  Hours:  20-30 Hours per week  Food:  Local meals, three (3) times a day Room:  Local host family  Date:  First and Third Monday of each month

Project Summary

Immersing in an outdated healthcare industry of a still-developing country can often be overwhelming, but is always an eye-opening experience for anyone. The Brazilian healthcare industry is no different. While healthcare professionals attempt to keep pace with the advances of modern medicine, there are massive amounts of Brazilians who do not have access to basic healthcare and many die of basic diseases and ailments that were eradicated in the Western World. IFRE's volunteer medical projects in Brazil place interested medical/healthcare professionals to support the often-intimidating front line.

Skills/Qualifications

Basic Portuguese fluency is strongly preferred and beneficial, but it is not required. Volunteers who are interested in joining our volunteer health program must possess healthcare certification, such as an ID as a medical student, EMT, paramedic certification, nursing or physician's credentials. We do not permit volunteers without medical credentials to work in this program due to the potential risk. The hospitals require a copy of your resume, clearly documenting credentials and education, before your arrival to the project. Projects will also require an official copy of your credentials.

Volunteers' Responsibilities

Job responsibilities for medical project volunteers in Brazil vary dependent on education, skills, experience and qualifications and on the community's current needs. Volunteers are not permitted to perform major exams or surgeries. Most often volunteers help doctors or work as their assistants. As a medical volunteer in Brazil, you could be placed in a large hospital or small rural health center. Volunteers will assist local doctors and may take patients' vitals: blood pressure, temperature, height and weight, and carry out health center tasks. You may also assist in health camps, distribute medicines, provide tips to patients on health, nutrition and sanitation or provide counseling to patients. You may provide treatment for minor injuries or wounds and document patient records. The tasks and activities vary by day and placement.

Room/Food

IFRE manages living accommodations and meals with host families for the entire duration of the volunteer program. Our host families are all carefully screened, well educated and have experience with hosting international volunteers. Accommodations are clean, simply furnished rooms, which may be occasionally shared with other same-gender volunteers. Volunteers will receive three (3) local meals each day consisting of delicious local cuisine. Occasionally, if volunteers are away from their host families during lunch, they may be required to pack their own “to go” lunches. Our in-country staff offers supervision for the extent of the volunteer program.