Electives

We offer elective opportunities for UK medical students. We are keen that medical students have the unique opportunity to experience work in a low-resource setting.

The challenges of an elective in Nepal, especially in rural areas, are not to be understated, but with an open mind and a sense of adventure, extraordinary experiences can be had, which will serve students well in their future careers.

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I did my elective in Patan hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. I spent the first half of the elective in the emergency department. This involved taking histories and examining patients as well as ward rounds in the morning and afternoon. I saw a wide variety of patients ranging from those with burn and lacerations to more common ailments seen in the UK like heart attacks, diabetes and lung problems. In the second half of the elective, I spent my time between the orthopaedics outpatient’s department and operating theatres. In the OPD I shadowed the junior doctors and assisted in taking histories and clinical examinations of patients. In the operating theatres I watched a variety of surgeries. This placement allowed me to gain knowledge in these two specialties’

– MM

KAHS

Electives at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS)

We offer rural placements, arranged by DFN and run by KAHS. This hospital and medical school is in Jumla, an extremely remote location in the far north west of Nepal, giving students a fascinating experience of rural medicine.

PAHS

Electives at Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS)

We offer urban placements at PAHS  (Kathmandu) arranged by DFN and run by PAHS. It is also possible to combine some time in the city with some time in a more rural location, if this is of interest, and if PAHS are able to facilitate this at the time.

Key Details and Costs

  • As recognition of the work we do in Nepal, we request a donation of $100 per week. This is the usual fee for electives at KAHS and PAHS but if you apply to do your elective through DFN, the fee will be waived in full by KAHS / waived 50% by PAHS and instead you give it directly to the charity (you will need to arrange a donation to DFN prior to departure).
  • International and internal travel will be at the students own cost and risk; however, guidance can be given for in-country transport options.
  • Food and lodging during the elective can be arranged through the medical schools or independently
  • A white coat should be worn at the hospital, please bring one with you.
  • Elective students will shadow a senior Nepalese doctor (where possible one from the DFN team), and will not be expected to carry out medical procedures independently.
  • It’s important for students to be realistic with their planning and expectations. There are significant risks with the terrain in rural areas of Nepal (poor roads, landslides, overloaded buses, under-maintained planes). Students must consider the season in which they intend to travel, and bear in mind that medical care can be extremely basic. For this reason, students should ensure that their medical insurance includes helicopter assistance and repatriation. DFN cannot cover any visa or medical insurance costs.

How to Apply

1.

Send an email to info@doctorsfornepal.org stating your interest, and where and when you would like to do your elective. Please attach a cover letter describing why you would like to go to Nepal for your elective and a recommendation letter from your university.

2.

Your application will then be sent to Dr. Kate Yarrow (our chair and founder) for approval.

3.

Once approved, we will send your application to the appropriate school and you will be notified if they are able to accommodate you (this process can sometimes take a few weeks).

4.

You should then go ahead and book travel and accommodation. DFN will be available to support this process in the planning stage and connect you with our team in Nepal for support during your trip.

5.

When you return to the UK, we ask that you provide us with some reflections in the form of a written report or a poster, so that future students and doctors can learn from and build on your experience.