To nominate, please email nominate@insight-health.org.au with the following information:
Your Name
Year Level
Position You Are Nominating For
150 words or less about why you think you are the best for the role.
Please also prepare a two minute speech with an extra minute for questions for the AGM. We will be sticking strictly to these times and people will be stopped with a two minute bell.
Chair
Alyssa Fitzpatrick 5th Year Medicine
“INSIGHT has inspired me with its capacity to act as an agent for change. From Memberships Officer to AMSA Global Health Committee Representative, including a 12-month term on the AGH Executive, I have continued to be motivated to be a part of this collaborative group. As Chair in 2012, I will continue to engrain Insight’s role within the medical school, igniting our members with a passion for global health equality and equipping them with skills to contribute in their future careers. As such, in 2012, my agenda as Chair will be to put global health at the forefront of medical school culture. By building on our current foundations, we can consolidate our funding pathways to reconceptualise existing projects, expand the current aid project and create new avenues for medical student involvement by linking with external organisations. And together, Insight will continue to effect change locally and internationally.”
Vice Chair
Alyssa Fitzpatrick 5th Year Medicine
“INSIGHT is defined by its collaborative and supportive committee approach, and as Vice-Chair I would continue to ensure that communication is open and frequent, providing an accessible conduit between the Executive and the Committee. With a particular emphasis on supporting the Education and Curriculum officers, I would advocate for increased focus on these key portfolios. I envisage INSIGHT taking on some elements of the AMSA Code Green campaign, including consideration of the environmental impact of our activities, and a strengthening of Insight’s advocacy for expanding opportunities in International Health within the curriculum. The introduction of a series of INSIGHT educational seminars would be a key strategy to increase global health awareness within the medical school body. My previous experience holding five committee positions over three years would place me in the ideal position to assist the Chair in completing his/her tasks as a diligent and supportive Vice-Chair.”
Secretary
Joule (JJ) Li 2nd Year Medicine
“My passion for Insight started last year after being inspired at the Birthing Kit Workshop. Motivated, I involved myself with 2 Working Parties (Quiz Night, Amazing Raise). Through these, I realised how truly blessed we are to be able to contribute so much to people less lucky than ourselves. While unfortunately I wasn’t elected to this year’s Committee, I’ve nonetheless remained involved via the Friends Router, especially giving Official Documents feedback. In 2012, I wish to return to Insight with more passion than ever before. My broad grassroots Insight experience, combined with AMSS Committee, AMSF Working Party Secretary, and extensive Official Documents experience, have prepared me well to tackle the behind-the-scenes role of Secretary. Utilising my enthusiasm, unwavering reliability, and email addiction (checked 4+ times a day!), I set myself 3 goals: write ‘Committee Guides’ to ease everyone into their new roles, timely distribution of agendas/pre-reading, and up-keeping Official Documents.”
Chantelle Yam 4th Year Medicine
“Since my involvement with Insight and having witnessed global health firsthand, I have developed a passion for doing my part in the fight for global health equality. My experiences as AUMO Co-Chair has cultivated strong time-management and organizational skills, together with ample practice in writing minutes and instructing via email, thus preparing me well for this role of Secretary. Furthermore, as Senior Medical Student Representative this year, I’m well acquainted with the committee’s inner workings and in shifting my focus to Insight for 2012, I would be thrilled to tackle a larger role and contribute some ideas I have for Insight’s future. As always, tasks will be approached with diligence and professionalism, ensuring minutes are readily available within 48hrs and action points followed through. I will serve to support the team, being accessible day and night and guarantee all matters discussed within the executive are regularly communicated to the committee.”
Sponsorships Officer
Danielle Fitzpatrick 3rd Year Medicine
“Insight’s success in inspiring and mobilising students to action relies upon our strong partnerships with ongoing sponsors. As Development Fund Dinner Convenor in 2011 (and Junior Medical Representative in 2010), I have extensive experience in promoting the goals and values of Insight to external organisations and negotiating to achieve mutual outcomes. With a conscientious and professional manner, I will continue to maintain a high level of communication with our sponsors through regular meetings and email updates. My goal for 2012 is to firstly continue to formalise our sponsorship agreements and prospectus through major and focussed packages for social and educational events and our aid portfolio. Using this structure, I will then aim to expand our sponsorships network by exploring partnerships in areas including pathology and allied health, and more broadly finance and student travel.”
Katherine Watson 5th Year Medicine
“As the Cree Indian proverb goes, “only when the last tree has died, and the last river been poisoned, and the last fish been caught, will we realise we cannot eat money”. This may well be true, but in having secured more than $5000 worth of sponsorship as AMSS Red Party Convenor in 2011, as well as $3000 for the AMSS Publications portfolio in 2010, I am acutely aware of the opportunities that sponsorship can create for student organisations whose activities heavily rely on the generous support of their sponsors. I would love the opportunity to create these for INSIGHT. In 2012 I hope to streamline the sponsorship portfolio by creating event-specific prospectuses in addition to one specifically targeting majors, developing a database for potential sponsors for the benefit of prospective INSIGHT committees and event convenors, and exploring the idea of tiered sponsorship with the current committee.”
Treasurer
Ha Lu 2nd Year Medicine
“Insight and global health have captivated my interest since becoming a member in O-week. I see Insight treasury as an opportunity to work with the committee to bring about positive changes at the committee and social level.
I have extensive financial experience which includes book-keeping in the retail sector over the past four years and completing mathematics and commerce tertiary subjects. As treasurer, I will develop book-keeping, monetary management and budgeting frameworks to ensure financial integrity, transparency and fiscal responsibility at every level of Insight. Furthermore, I intend to explore investment strategies for Insight’s accumulated savings and the viability of an online payments gateway.
I will contribute governance knowledge from experience on executive committees including as AURHA treasurer and AMSF sponsorship officer. I also have one year full time industrial experience in small business management. As a pre-clinical executive member, I will focus on ensuring high levels of pre-clinical involvement.”
Education Officers (2)
Curriculum Officer
Sarah Borg 5th Year Medicine
“After attending numerous Insight events over the years and involving myself with the Events Working Party this year I am very keen to engage myself in a more intensive role and be part of the Insight committee in my final year next year.
As a student who is very interested in global health I have chosen every possible relevant elective that the MLTU has allowed: International Health in second year, and Global Health in fourth year (which I will be doing again as a sixth year SCAP). Asides from these electives and the occasional lecture on public health, there are very limited opportunities in our course to learn about global and public health. If selected for this position next year I will endeavour to create more opportunities for medical students to be taught about global health issues (public health lectures featuring slides full of lists of statistics not included!)”
Events Co-ordinators (2)
Anni Chen & Xi (Cicy) Li 2nd Year Medicine
“Our love affair with Insight began on Day One of O-week. Since then, we have been heavily involved with all aspects of Insight, attending both social and educational events, committee meetings and Global Health Conference. We have been on EVERY Insight event working party, many for multiple years. Through this, we have gained an excellent understanding of the events and how they run. We also have extensive events coordination experience outside of Insight. Cicy was events coordinator of AURHA this year and has also run many past campaigns for organizations such as World Vision. Anni has coordinated international exchange programs and various other functions. In short, we can run anything from a casual BBQ to a fancy dinner! Our vision for Insight Events next year is ‘livelier, bigger and better!’ We will do our utmost to push for more marketing, bigger venues and greater attendance to promote Insight’s inspiring work”
Sophie Thoo and Annabelle Hayes 3rd Year and 2nd Year Medicine
“Insight was founded by two medical students who wanted to inspire changes in global health. As two current medical students also passionate about this goal, we would be excellent events coordinators for Insight in 2012. We both have previous experience in organising events down to the last details – from bake sales and fetes through to a youth camp and organizing functions through part-time jobs. These will mean that as a team we have the skills to ensure that Insight events in 2012 not only meet, but exceed expectations. As a combination of a clinical student and pre-clinical student, we will be a dynamic team perfect to organize events catering to the needs of the whole medical school. It is these traits, along with our enthusiasm for the role that will help us to create amazing Insight events to educate and empower more students with regards to global health issues.”
Memberships Officer
Lorenzo Chewparsad 3rd Year Medicine
“In my role as Junior Medical Representative (now Pre-Clinical Medical Representative) in this past year, I have had the opportunity to have an active involvement in the semesterly pre-clinical membership drives. As a result of getting to know the behind-the-scenes of the membership role and the members themselves, I would love the opportunity to take on this role next year. Insight is growing; with the introduction of an executive, the inclusion of a nursing officer and the ascending number of new faces in Florey every year and I believe that as the Membership Officer, I would aid and assist in this growth over the next year. The Membership Officers of Insight have provided an avenue of communication, information, enthusiasm and support for me since my entrance into Medical school. It is this that I hope to provide to all members of Insight in 2012.”
Aid Co-ordinator
Johanna Warren 3rd Year Medicine
“Insight has a number of exciting aid projects in place, which I have developed an interest in during my work as Allied Health Coordinator this year. In 2012 I’d love the opportunity to further Leigh’s work on these projects, which form a major part of Insight’s agenda. I plan to hold the Birthing Kits Workshop at PAC again and secure early funding so that we can increase the number of kits back to that of previous years. Given the consistent success of the Birthing Kits Workshop, I have ideas for another “hands-on” aid event later in the year, possibly integrated into the Global Health Workshop. I have discussed this with a nurse who organises aid projects in PNG; she has suggested potential “hands-on” student projects for which she can facilitate transport overseas. I also plan to run another textbook drive in 2012, after many enquiries about this during the year.”
Indigenous Health Officer
Mark Hassall 5th Year Medicine
“Insight contributes excellent to a wide range of overseas medical aid work and it is exciting to see our involvement in local Indigenous health beginning to grow as well. I was fortunate enough to accompany this year’s Indigenous Officer to the APY lands for a medical outreach visit, as well as arranging a second trip to the isolated community of Yalata. Medical Students can not only learn a great deal from these extra-curricular exposures, but can also contribute to the ongoing healthcare in these remote Indigenous communities. There is great scope to improve Insight’s ongoing work here and to involve and expose more students. I am currently contributing to Brydie’s excellent work in securing funding for future student trips and I look forward to pursuing this project and more in 2012.”
Marketing Officer
Charmaine Chai 5th Year Medicine
“For 2012, I will be nominating for the position of Marketing Officer on the Insight Committee. I’ve always loved using photoshop and have recently branched into using illustrator and indesign, and feel that in the position of Marketing Officer I will be able to contribute to the committee next year and embrace my creative side! I think that my past experience as Chair and Sponsorships Officer of Insight puts me in a unique position to assist next year’s committee in moving forward with Insight’s cause.”
Pre-Clinical Medical Representative
Edwina Munns-Cook 2nd Year Medicine
“I am the best person for the position because I am passionate about issues related to global health and I believe I can positively and effectively inform others on the state of international health care. I am also passionate about the future prospects of working internationally with organisations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres, and plan to volunteer in South America and India during my medical degree, having already undertaken a medical placement in Thailand in January this year. I have the organisational, communication skills and the drive to proactively inform and involve other junior medical students in Insight events. I have strong team-work skills, having had wide ranging experience of working in multiple teams, which will assist other Committee members in coordinating and running those events successfully. Whilst a member of the Committee, I would be keenly interested in creating new projects run by Insight overseas, further strengthen existing projects”
Clinical Medical Representitive
Afsana Hasan 5th Year Medicine
“Look no further, I will be the best senior medical representative ever! My long history of involvement in Insight (since MBBS I) puts me in an ideal position for this role. As Education Officer, I revolutionised the educational events. This includes organising the inaugural Future Callings night for medical and dentistry students, and providing students with a showcase of overseas placements in the Global Health Seminar. I also bring my organisational experience as current Co-Chair of the Adelaide University Golf Society, and global health experience from spending 4 weeks in a rural Indian hospital.
I believe this position is more than just discussion board posts and putting up posters. I will provide much needed support to committee members in their roles, particularly for events and their promotion. I would also like to collect our members’ thoughts and opinions so that we can continue to give our members what they want.”
Alexander (Lachie) Birrell 3rd Year Medicine
“Have you ever noticed that when you are at Quiz night, Medcamp, Birthing kits workshops or even Jazz night that you feel safe to leave your belongings unsupervised? That is because the medical community in general is filled with good-hearted people that you can trust. I genuinely believe that everyone that I know in medicine is committed to making the world a better place, in one way or another. And I know that when faced with the opportunity to help improve the quality of life of others, that those individual 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th year students will pounce at the chance to make him or herself useful. Please give me the opportunity to show those students how they can make themselves useful and I know they will follow through with it. Thank you.”
Allied Health Liason
Alexander (Lachie) Birrell 3rd Year Medicine
“As Allied Health Liaison I would aim to support the new nursing officer in promoting Insight events to this cohort. I would also like to expand the allied health branch of the Global Health Workshop from 2011, or create a stand-alone educational event for allied health students. As part of this educational event I plan to organise a “global village” style activity that involves liaison of medical, nursing, dentistry, engineering, psychology, development studies and health science students. This could involve discussion on how all of these arenas contribute to developing world health, possibly with reference to a new Insight overseas aid project for students from these courses to become involved in. I am an enthusiastic hard worker that is easy to approach and work with. After involvement in Insight working parties during 2011 I am thoroughly looking forward to becoming more involved with the organisation over coming years.”
Dentistry Officer
Nursing Officer
AMSA Global Health Representative
Deeva Vather 2nd Year Medicine
“Insight and the AGH improve the lives of many disadvantaged people. I feel strongly about global health equity and this is why I would love the opportunity to increase my contribution to these organisations in 2012. Through attending committee meetings, lecture bashing, discussion board posting, and supporting three of Insight’s working parties, I’ve gained a further understanding of how Insight operates, it’s values and it’s goals. I think that this knowledge will help me effectively liaise between Insight and the AGH and share Insight’s point of view during policy discussions. I also had the opportunity to attend the 2011 Global Health Conference. Having had an amazing experience there, I’m keen to promote GHC and expand the 2012 Adelaide delegation. While I understand that this position is a big commitment, I’m prepared to put in the work to ensure that Insight and the AGH continue to have an excellent relationship.”
DFD Convenor
Katherine Watson 5th Year Medicine
“The growth of INSIGHT over the past five years has been a joy to watch. While I have no past experience with INSIGHT, I have a diverse set of skills from roles on other committees that I would love the opportunity to use as DFD Convenor. As past Publications Officer, current Philanthropy Officer and Red Party Convenor for the AMSS, and as a current member of the AMSA GHN Publications team, I have vast experience in events management, the coordination of working parties, marketing and sponsorship (including securing over $5000 of sponsorship for Red Party this year). Just as important to this role is a genuine passion for global health and desire to see INSIGHT succeed. These qualities, my experience and fresh perspective will help me deliver a DFD that will not only allow INSIGHT to sustain their current initiatives, but raise the profile of the fantastic work they do.”
IT Officer
PERSONAL DETAILS
ELECTIVE DETAILS
| Country |
Japan |
City |
Tokyo |
| Setting |
City |
| Local languages spoken |
Japanese |
| Dates of elective |
December 2008 |
| Year level during elective |
End of 5th year |
Expected level of knowledge |
Final year medical student |
DETAILS OF INSTITUTION
| Name |
Jikei University Hospital |
Population served |
|
| Size |
1075 Beds |
| Departments/specialties available |
All specialties |
| Further description |
Private hospital of a private medical school ranked number 2 in Japan |
| Student responsibilities |
Ward rounds, unit meetings, theatre assistance, tutorials |
| Teaching availability |
Regular daily tutorials, ward and theatre teaching |
| Elective contact |
Dr Tohru Sekiya, International Relationship Committee |
| Application process |
http://www.jikei.ac.jp/eng/application_process.html |
| Donations brought/grants |
None required. Bring Aussie flavoured gifts |
TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, FOOD, LEISURE AND EXPECTED COSTS
| Accommodation options |
Limited accommodation in student quarters |
10 000 yen/week |
| Accommodation details |
|
|
| Travel to location (including necessary documentation) |
|
|
| Transport within location |
If staying onsite, you can walk. I stayed in Azabujuban in a ‘Gaijin House’ which cost around 200 yen each way. |
|
| Food allowances |
Nil – Food is plentiful and affordable in Tokyo |
|
| Social activities |
Jikei Jazz night, Final year cocktail party, Rugby matches, dinner with supervisors and colleagues |
|
| Recommended vaccinations |
Japanese encephalitis recommended but not essential. They request immunisation status for Hepatitis B, Varicella and several others |
|
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
| The good |
Fantastic teaching in a world renowned centre |
| The bad |
Language barrier with patients, but doctors and most students all speak excellent english |
| Further descriptions, comments or advice |
This elective was such an excellent experience, that I have returned to Japan a further 2 times, and plan my 4th trip now, possibly including another observership in this hospital. |
| For more information |
Daniel.chanisheff@gmail.com |
PERSONAL DETAILS
ELECTIVE DETAILS
| Country |
China |
City |
Luoyang |
| Setting |
Rural |
| Local languages spoken |
Mandarin Chinese (Medical staff speak some English) |
| Dates of elective |
November-December 2010 |
| Year level during elective |
3 |
Expected level of knowledge |
N/A |
DETAILS OF INSTITUTION
| Name |
Maria’s Big House of Hope (MBHOH) |
Population served |
Population of city is 6 million but MBHOH serves only orphans with medical/surgical needs |
| Size |
140 beds for orphans < age 7 – largest facility of its kind in the area |
| Departments/specialties available |
Paediatrics |
| Further description |
Being a privately-run orphanage established by an Australian doctor in 2009, its facilities are largely Westernised – very clean floors, central heating, colourfully decorated walls and a playground outside. However, just walking outside the gates of MBHOH, one can experience the poverty of rural China – ideal for those wanting to see developing communities without experiencing it day-to-day themselves! |
| Student responsibilities |
Students are expected to attend ward rounds with the resident doctor every day at 8am and 8pm. During our trip, we were each assigned a floor (the orphanage has 5 floors) and helped out the nurses and nannies however we could. Opportunities included assessing otitis media and performing ear toileting, administering antibiotic injections, changing wound dressings and colostomy bags, enemas and bowel disimpaction. |
| Teaching availability |
We travelled with a doctor from Adelaide who frequently gave us tutorials on common paediatric disorders, which were highly beneficial in supplementing our hands-on medical experience. The resident doctor also gave us tutorials and we were encouraged to ask questions to the medical staff at any time. |
| Elective contact |
We organised this elective through a personal contact here in Adelaide, however you can contact the institution directly via their website: http://www.showhope.org/ |
| Application process |
Refer to website |
| Donations brought/grants |
We were lucky enough to obtain both an Insight Development Fund Grant and a MIGA Elective Grant – funds were used to source some much needed medical supplies for MBHOH, including colostomy bags, a portable suction device, a cast cutter, nebuliser kits, finger pulse oximeters, otoscopes and a cache of paediatric medications. |
TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, FOOD, LEISURE AND EXPECTED COSTS
| Accommodation options |
Free accommodation provided by MBHOH |
|
| Accommodation details |
Very Westernised – clean, comfortable beds (separated into male and female dorms), hot water, heating. |
|
| Travel to location (including necessary documentation) |
International flights
Visas |
~$1600
~ $40 |
| Transport within location |
Marketplace is within walking distance. However, other trips into the city centre require taxi (very inexpensive!). You can join the nurses for their weekly shopping trips. We were lucky enough to get driven to various sightseeing areas with the Show Hope liaison – ask when you get there if keen. |
Under AU $3 per taxi trip into city |
| Food allowances |
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by the orphanage. However food may be bland/not what foreigners commonly enjoy, so kitchen facilities are available if you prefer to cook your own food. |
|
| Social activities |
Street markets are nearby. However, being a fairly isolated area, any social activities occur within the orphanage and are up to you (and the nurses if you can convince them!) to organise. Mainly we just held dinner parties and our own movie nights. |
|
| Recommended vaccinations |
Hep A/Typhoid
See GP for more information |
|
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
| The good |
Great living facilities, opportunity to witness diseases not seen in Australia, good balance of medical work/experience and free time, most of which was used to play with children; Internet available. |
| The bad |
Fairly isolated, most time spent within the orphanage. Language barrier. |
| Further descriptions, comments or advice |
May get more out of the experience if some basic Chinese language is known – tutorials can be done in English but conversing with the nannies may prove to be more difficult. |
| For more information |
http://www.showhope.org/ |
PERSONAL DETAILS
ELECTIVE DETAILS
| Country |
Zambia |
City |
Mwandi Village |
| Setting |
Peri-urban – village of 10 000 on the bank of the Zambezi River, approximately 130km from the nearest city, Livingstone. |
| Local languages spoken |
English, Lozi |
| Dates of elective |
December/January |
| Year level during elective |
5 |
Expected level of knowledge |
4th-6th year |
DETAILS OF INSTITUTION
| Name |
UCZ Mwandi Mission Hospital |
Population served |
40 000 |
| Size |
85 Beds |
| Departments/specialties available |
General medicine, general surgery, O&G, Paediatrics, OPD, HIV outreach clinic. As the hospital is so small you will basically be doing a bit of everything. 1 in 3 people in Mwandi have HIV so this must always be taken into consideration when working with patients. |
| Further description |
The hospital is almost entirely funded by donations. Although not as clean or modern as a Western hospital, it is in pretty good condition especially the maternity ward, which was built recently. There are two operating theatres, a male and female ward, isolation wards for TB/ID patients, a pharmacy and a lab, but not much in terms of radiology. Two doctors (essentially RMOs) run the hospital along with a Hospital Administrator. Other staff members include Clinical Officers that work in OPD, a physiotherapist and nurses.
The hospital is a part of the greater United Church of Zambia Mission (although there is no need to be religious to work in the hospital). This includes the hospital, the elementary and high school, the Agriculture Project and the Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s Project (OVC). South Australian Fiona Dixon-Thompson runs the OVC and she is the best person to contact to organise the placement. Through her you will also get an opportunity to volunteer in the OVC Centre. |
| Student responsibilities |
You are treated essentially as another doctor and will have many opportunities to get stuck in, including delivering babies with minimal help, performing procedures, assisting in surgery, diagnosing patients and being actively involved in their treatment. Nurses will often call you for assistance if the doctor is not available. However, if you feel uncomfortable or out of your depth there is no obligation to continue and the doctors are very understanding. You will also probably be asked to present an educational symposium to the hospital staff. |
| Teaching availability |
Usually excellent. Some doctors are much more willing to teach but the others just need to be probed and they will be helpful. |
| Elective contact |
Fiona Dixon-Thompson -
uczovc@gmail.com
Ida Waddell who is involved with hospital administration -
keith_ida2002@yahoo.co.uk |
| Application process |
E-mailing the above contacts. Be patient as internet connection is dodgy at best in Mwandi. |
| Donations brought/grants |
Disposable and sterile gloves, cannulas, syringes, surgical sponges, anything consumable. Contact Ida about what is required in terms of equipment. I brought over a few manual sphygmus, a portable glucometer and a pulse oximeter. Medical textbooks or learning resources are also greatly appreciated.
Donations for the OVC are also very helpful, whether for the children or for administration. Contact Fiona to find out more.
INSIGHT Development Grant, MIGA Grant and AMA Grant are all useful. |
TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, FOOD, LEISURE AND EXPECTED COSTS
| Accommodation options |
There is a house for volunteers of the OVC next door to Fiona’s house in a fenced off and guarded complex located on the river bank. |
US $10 per night |
| Accommodation details |
Multiple bedrooms (some with bunks) and bathrooms, two shared kitchens, a lounge room and a dining room. Very homey and comfortable with views of some of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever see.
There is a cleaner and a woman who will wash your clothes for a small fee.
There is a TV with DVD player, but no internet.
Internet is available at the hospital. |
Approx US $1 per wash |
| Travel to location (including necessary documentation) |
Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa from Perth or Sydney and then fly to Livingstone where you will purchase a Visitor’s Visa as you clear customs.
Coach leaves everyday from Livingstone to Mwandi (2h journey) |
Check on the internet, usually cheaper after Xmas
US$50 Visitor’s Visa
$8 coach ride |
| Transport within location |
Walking. It’s a small village so this is fine. |
|
| Food allowances |
You can do a large shop in Livingstone before you travel to Mwandi. There are small markets where you can buy fish, bread and vegetables but you need to know where to look.
The mission runs an agricultural project that sells meat, poultry and eggs. |
$200 will get you more a solid month’s supply of food.
Food in the village is fairly inexpensive. |
| Social activities |
The village is fairly quiet. You will have the opportunity to explore, attend local church services and maybe play soccer with the locals.
The OVC Centre is an excellent way to pass the time, playing and spending time with the children. It brings much joy to both parties.
Livingstone is only 2h away and there are HEAPS of social/tourist activities including seeing Victoria Falls, white-water rafting on the Zambezi, bungi jumping, Safari day trips, and the list goes on. Visit http://www.zambiatourism.com/welcome.htm
for more information. |
$8 coach ride to Livingstone
Backpacker accommodation is excellent and only around US$10/night.
All tourist activities can be organised at your accommodation and are quite reasonably priced. |
| Recommended vaccinations |
Consult your GP or travel doctor.
You must have malaria prophylaxis.
HIV PEP is highly recommended as most of the inpatients are HIV+. Make an appointment with the ID dept. at the RAH. |
Try your GP first cause the Travel Doc is very expensive!
I have unused PEP that I can sell for a very reasonable price. |
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
| The good |
Mwandi is a safe and interesting place that will allow you to truly experience the sub-Sahara African way of life. The people are friendly and accommodation is excellent. It’s a great opportunity to make lifelong friends.
Working in the hospital allows you to fully appreciate third-world medicine and you will be actively involved in patient care and feel like you are making a difference to their lives and the community as a whole. The OVC Project also allows you to help in a non-medical role and have an amazing time while doing so. |
| The bad |
Not much of a social scene in Mwandi.
December/January is the ploughing season so many people avoid the hospital so that they can work. Thus, it can be quiet at times (although there will still be much to do).
Minor language/cultural barrier with the locals. With effort, however, this can be overcome.
Can get horribly humid. Can’t swim in the river due to crocodiles. |
| Further descriptions, comments or advice |
This placement can be as rigid or as flexible as you like. The doctors understand that you are students and are under no obligation to be available at any time. However, the more you put in the more you will get out of this unique and wonderful opportunity.
The first week will be a bit of a culture shock and you may be a bit hesitant and still finding your feet, but this will pass soon enough.
Finally, remember to have fun! You’re in Africa! |
| For more information |
Contact Fiona and/or Ida and they will provide you with ample information.
Also visit…
http://www.mwandiovc.com/
http://mwandi-mission.awardspace.com/
(Outdated but still gives a good idea of what’s in store)
Feel free to contact me on my student e-mail for any more information. |
PERSONAL DETAILS
| Name |
Matt Roberts, George Evans |
ELECTIVE DETAILS
| Country |
Tanzania |
City |
Haydom |
| Setting |
Rural |
| Local languages spoken |
Swahili, Tribal Languages, Doctors and Nurses can speak English |
| Dates of elective |
December 2010 |
| Year level during elective |
5/6 |
Expected level of knowledge |
Year 5 |
DETAILS OF INSTITUTION
| Name |
Haydom Lutheran Hospital |
Population served |
500,000 primary care, 3 million tertiary. 20,000 in local viallage |
| Size |
400 Beds |
| Departments/specialties available |
General Medicine, General Surgery, Paediatrics, O & G, Infectious Diseases |
| Further description |
Haydom is very isolated and serves a very poor and isolated rural population. The nearest city is over 6 hours by car. The hospital is generally well supplied and is funded by Norweigan charities and government. Staffed mainly by locally trained doctors and nurses with some visiting European doctors and specialists. The hospital is now 46 years old and is now surrounded by a sizeable village with many services provided to the villagers by the hospital including schools, tribal cooperation centre and police station. Nurses are always happy to translate. |
| Student responsibilities |
You’ll be able to manage conditions you’re familiar with independently up to or above the standard of local doctors. New conditions you’ll learn about very quickly and quickly know what to do. You can have as little or as much responsibility as you like. They’re quite well staffed and you’ll never be left unsupervised unless you request as such. |
| Teaching availability |
Mainly on rounds and in theatre. No formal tutorials, but all staff are very keen to teach and will generally take the time to explain things. There is a well equipped library. |
| Elective contact |
See: www.haydom.no |
| Application process |
See: www.haydom.no |
| Donations brought/grants |
Elective grant. Oxford Handbook of Tropical Diseases is in high demand by local doctors and interns- if you can, take a couple and leave them behind. |
TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, FOOD, LEISURE AND EXPECTED COSTS
| Accommodation options |
Haydom provides a guest house |
|
| Accommodation details |
Single or double room with bathroom. No hot water, but all clean and quite spacious. Meals provided, but you’ll probably want to try some local food as its much better! |
$15 US per Night |
| Travel to location (including necessary documentation) |
Flying is an expensive option. Public landcruiser is a recommended experience, 6 hours with 20 people, although no chickens. |
$7US |
| Transport within location |
Walk. Some staff have cars. You can buy a bike if you’re there for long enough. |
|
| Food allowances |
Cheap. Included in accommodation or you can go to local eateries |
$3US for a meal. 30 cents for a kilo of bananas! |
| Social activities |
Sports with locals- soccer, tennis. Exploring the bush and surrounding hills. BBQs with other doctors and their families. Teaching English. |
|
| Recommended vaccinations |
See your travel doctor |
|
Insight Welcome BBQ – Thursday March 3
Birthing Kits Workshop – Sunday March 20
Insight Movie Night – Friday March 25
Future Callings – TBA
Insight Photo Exhibition – Thursday May 12
Global Health Conference – Thursday June 30
Insight Quiz and Talent Night – Friday August 5
Global Health Seminar – Sunday August 14
The Amazing Raise – Sunday September 3
Insight AGM – Tuesday October 11
Development Fund Dinner – Friday October 14
Congratulations to the 2011 committee!
Co-Chairs
Charmaine Chai
Thu Tran
Secretary
Cheryl Ou Yong
Sponsorships Officer
Ashish Vaska
Treasurer
Madeleine Gill
Education Officers
Clarissa Darmasetiawan
Katya Glogovska
Curriculum Officer
Georgina Irish
Events Co-ordinators
Lina Hua
Max Kernich
Memberships Officer
Alyssa Fitzpatrick
Aid Co-ordinator
Leigh Warren
Indigenous Health Officer
Brydie Purbrick
Marketing Officer
Chloe Story
Junior Medical Representative
Lorenzo Chewparsad
Senior Medical Representitive
Chantelle Yam
Allied Health Liason
Jo Warren
Dentistry Liason
Radhihka Singh
GHN Representative
Rebecca Zhao
DFD Convenor
Danielle Fitzpatrick
IT Officer
Nicholas Teng
PERSONAL DETAILS
ELECTIVE DETAILS
| Country |
Tanzania |
City |
Moshi |
| Setting |
Semi-urban – hospital is in the countryside but is only 20-30mins away from a medium sized town |
| Local languages spoken |
English, Swahili |
| Dates of elective |
December 2009 |
| Year level during elective |
5 |
Expected level of knowledge |
4-6th year |
DETAILS OF INSTITUTION
| Name |
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre |
Population served |
Large catchment area – 11 million people |
| Size |
450 beds |
| Departments/specialties available |
We spent our placement in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, but there are a wide variety of placements available. Paediatrics is particularly popular with elective students and requires earlier application. |
| Further description |
The hospital is large, and has its own medical school attached – this is great for teaching opportunities, but means that you are one of a large crowd on ward rounds and share practical opportunities (such as scrubbing in to theatre) with the local students. |
| Student responsibilities |
Similar duties to students in Australia on the wards, however more responsibilities are given to students (and junior doctors) in theatre and in the resuscitation room. |
| Teaching availability |
Fantastic! The daily ward rounds were filled with constant teaching (all in English), there are lectures given to the local students each afternoon that international elective students are welcome to attend and there are also additional tutes given on a weekly basis that are department specific. |
| Elective contact |
Director of Hospital Services at international@kcmc.ac.tz |
| Application process |
Through the above contact – this was a long and drawn out process due to delay in receiving reply emails – don’t be shy in calling the hospital. |
| Donations brought/grants |
Disposable gloves, needles, syringes.
We also donated our Insight Development Fund Grant to the scholarship program for the attached medical school. |
TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, FOOD, LEISURE AND EXPECTED COSTS
| Accommodation options |
International elective students stay in the hospital grounds in allocated houses. |
$150 US per month |
| Accommodation details |
The houses were nice, and had bedrooms for up to 5-6 students (mainly 2 people sharing each bedroom). There is a communal kitchen and living area. Warm running water and (unreliable) electricity. |
|
| Travel to location (including necessary documentation) |
Flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Transfer from airport to hospital |
$3000 AUS
$50 US |
| Transport within location |
Local buses |
<$1 ride |
| Food allowances |
Food can be bought in Moshi from a small supermarket, and there are also street vendors selling fruit and veg on the road at the back of the hospital.
There is a delightful hospital café on the grounds, that sells breakfast/lunch/dinner for about $1 US/plate |
$5-10 day |
| Social activities |
As there are quite a few international students on placement at KCMC at any one time, there is always someone to hang out with (think board games, cards…). There are also some restaurants and bars within walking distance (in daylight – short taxi ride at night) of the hospital.
On the weekends or after your elective there are amazing trips to be done: safari at the Ngorogoro crater and Serengeti, visit the beaches of Zanzibar, climb Mt Kilimanjaro… |
|
| Recommended vaccinations |
Take the advice of your travel doctor.
Malaria prophylaxis required, and you should also take HIV PEP with you. |
|
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
| The good |
Amazing exposure to health conditions in tropical Africa, well-supported environment and excellent teaching. |
| The bad |
Given the large number of local students, there wasn’t as much opportunity for hands-on experience as I had hoped for. However, we were still able to scrub into theatre occasionally and could certainly watch all procedures. |
| Further descriptions, comments or advice |
For a first exposure to medicine in the developing world, our placement at KCMC was perfect; we were adequately supervised, well supported and received brilliant teaching on all the many medical conditions that were unfamiliar to us. The international student environment also allowed for many fun social opportunities – given the number of overseas elective students, this is a placement that could easily be done on your own, as you will make friends there. |
| For more information |
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