Medical Internships in the Philippines

Learn directly from doctors in professional medical settings while experiencing life in the Philippines

Destination

Age

16+ y/o

Minimum Stay

1 week

Start Date

Anytime

Accommodation

Homestay

What’s included

Pre-departure Support

Everything you need to prepare for your trip, including visa advice, cultural awareness training, access to your dedicated pre-departure portal, and more.

Socials & Fun

Regularly organized social events with other participants.

Meals

All breakfast, lunch, and dinners, and always fresh drinking water.

Activities, Training & Equipment

All programme activities and equipment, including training and workshops from experienced professionals.

Trip Overview

Michael L

Observing procedures that were as simple as IV insertions and skin tests, to more complex procedures such as tubal ligation surgeries and cyst removals were fascinating.

Jenna C

Upon arrival I was immediately greeted by the Projects Abroad staff that put me at ease and made me feel right at home.

What you need to know

Overview

Are you planning to pursue a medical career? Looking to gain work experience in a professional medical setting? Then this is the internship for you.

Use the experience to boost your CV and increase your practical medical knowledge. We encourage you to ask questions and take notes. You may learn something that can’t be found in any textbook back home!

Let us know if you are interested in working in a specific department. We can tailor the programme to your requirements and interests.

No experience is needed to join this project. Interns without experience will shadow staff at a Rural Health Unit. Interns with a year or more of medical school experience can choose between interning at the Rural Health Unit or District Hospital.

English is one of the official languages of the Philippines, so there isn’t much of a language barrier. The medical staff will be on hand to translate for you if a patient can’t speak English. Our own medical supervisor is also on hand at the hospital, should you need to speak to someone from Projects Abroad.

A Day in the Life

Your working hours are decided on a weekly basis. Most interns work from Monday to Friday and have the weekends free. You also have the option to work night shifts. Typical working hours are from 8am – 12pm and then 1pm – 4pm. This internship has one of the longest shifts of all our medical programmes. It’s a great opportunity to get as much experience as possible.

On any given day, you’ll enjoy breakfast with your host family before travelling to your work placement. Your daily tasks will vary according to the placement you choose. It will mainly be observational work, learning from the staff you are shadowing. Depending on your experience, you may be given more practical work. This is at the discretion of local medical staff.

You have a medical supervisor for the duration of your placement. They oversee your work, assign you tasks, and assist with any issues you might have.

On top of your hospital rotation, you’ll work together with our Public Health interns on a number of activities. These include medical outreach camps and educational workshops. You will learn new skills such as newborn screening and vital check training. You’ll also work on outreach campaigns focusing on issues such as Dengue eradication.

Once you’re done for the day, take the chance to explore your surroundings. Go out for dinner with your fellow interns, spend time getting to know your host family, or take part in our regular social events. Join local staff and interns for karaoke nights, dance classes, and more.

Aims & Impact

The aim of this project is to provide our interns with a solid educational experience, learning about healthcare practice in a developing country.

You will also work to benefit the local community by supporting the work of medical staff during outreaches. Many Filipinos die from entirely preventable diseases resulting from poor hygiene, diet, or lifestyle. In addition, those with financial constraints often cannot access the treatment they need.

The country is also burdened by infectious diseases due to poor hygiene standards and a lack of proper sanitation. Through awareness campaigns in the local community, we work to improve hygiene standards. Our Building Project is also helping to tackle this issue by constructing toilets.

One of the most common health issues in the Philippines is Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. This tropical disease is spread by mosquitoes. Part of your outreach work will involve preventing the spread of disease by destroying mosquito breeding grounds. You’ll also get involved in raising awareness among the population about prevention methods and the importance of treatment.

In order to improve the overall standard of health and wellbeing amongst the local population, we aim to:

  • Promote awareness of non-communicable diseases
  • Improve the quality of treatment for those with disabilities
  • Improve the quality of healthcare provided to patients

By targeting these areas of need at your placement, you will contribute towards long-term change, while also gaining valuable medical work experience in the Philippines.

Activities

You’ll work in a hospital and use your time to learn as much as possible from the doctors. Here are some of the tasks you can expect to do at your medical placement in the Philippines:

  • Observe and assist doctors in a district hospital
  • Help out with a wide range of different cases at the City Health Office
  • Work at a Rural Health Unit which provides care to impoverished communities
  • Take part in medical outreach and health education programmes

Your work will be split in four main areas:

Observe and assist doctors in a district hospital

You’ll shadow and learn from doctors in a busy district hospital. Depending on your previous medical experience, you might be able to assist with medical procedures. This option is a great way to gain medical work experience in a range of different departments, like obstetrics or laboratory testing.

There will also be regular workshops where doctors will teach you about different diseases and techniques, such as Dengue fever or inserting an IV.

Help out with a wide range of different cases at the City Health Office

City Health Offices are government-run medical clinics that provide medical care to those who can’t afford more expensive private treatment. These centres offer a number of healthcare services, such as minor surgeries, maternity and child care, disease control, and family planning services.

The health office runs outreach sessions in the wider community, which you’ll join. During these outreaches, you’ll sit in on medical consultations, and observe other services such as eye and dental checks.

Work at a Rural Health Unit which provides care to impoverished communities

Rural Health Units (RHU) clinics are the only source of free healthcare for impoverished communities in rural towns. They are usually staffed by one doctor, a few nurses and midwives, and offer a wide range of services.

At the RHU, you can work across many departments each week to learn from and support staff in different areas. You’ll observe, and if you have the necessary experience, you can assist with deliveries, immunisations, and assessments.

Take part in medical outreach and health education programmes

With changes in lifestyle and diets, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure now represent up to 67% of deaths in the Philippines. A lack of education and resources make it difficult to combat these preventable diseases within the country.

As part of your outreach work, you will help raise awareness of diseases and share how people can live healthier lives. You’ll also promote good hygiene, which will help communities prevent infectious diseases.

Every month, we hold a monthly medical outreach camp, which provides healthcare services to those in disadvantaged areas. All of our medical interns attend and help out at the camp, working under supervision.

Map & Location
Mabuhay! That’s “welcome” in the Philippines, the world’s second-largest archipelago, formed of over 7,000 islands in Southeast Asia. Famous for a unique blend of Asian and Spanish cultures, you will struggle to find a more welcoming country to visit.

The Philippines has incredible biodiversity with many endemic species and unique geological formations, like the popular Chocolate Hills. For a more urban experience, hop in a jeepney or tuk-tuk and enjoy Filipino pastimes like Karaoke and water sports.

San Remigio

San Remigio, neighbouring Bogo City on the northern coast of Cebu Island, is a laid-back town with stunning natural beauty. With over 65,000 residents, it boasts the longest coastline in Cebu, offering a variety of beaches with white sand and crystal-clear waters.

San Remigio has a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year, perfect for exploring the nearby beaches, islands, and historical sites. The town also offers a glimpse into local life with its public market and friendly community.

Bogo City

Bogo City, located on the northeastern coast of Cebu Island in the Philippines, is a growing city with a population of about 90,000. With a tropical climate, warm temperatures, and sunshine year-round, it is filled with beautiful beaches, lush green hills, and landmarks like the Bogo City Hall.

The city is famous for water sports and natural beauty, including several nearby waterfalls. Despite only being established as a city in 2007, it has all the essentials within easy reach.

Food & Accommodation

Get ready for unforgettable fun in the Philippines! We’ll set you up with a wonderful host family (vetted by us, of course!), providing a comfortable room, three delicious meals a day, and fresh drinking water. It’s all part of making your adventure amazing.

Your host family will provide you with delicious, local food and introduce you to the incredible Filipino culture. We’ll aim to have you share your host family with other Projects Abroad participants of the same gender and approximate age. We’ll also organise your transport to and from your placement every day.

Your home away from home will be clean, safe, and secure, the perfect place to explore the stunning scenery of the Philippines. You’ll also have easy access to nearby internet cafes, keeping you in touch with your loved ones.

Your Arrival Made Easy

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Philippines Arrival Procedures page.

Book your adventure

Call +353 (0)1 571 5080 to discuss special discounts or group bookings.

Still got questions? We’re happy to help!

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