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Medical Nursing Paramedics Premeds
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Table of Contents
Our Mission................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Our Locations............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Our Offices.................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Welcome...................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Our Commitment..................................................................................................................................................... 6
General Program Information............................................................................................................................ 7
Program Overview.................................................................................................................................................. 8
Students....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Premedical Students............................................................................................................................................... 8
Medical / Nursing Students................................................................................................................................. 9
Supervision and Evaluation...............................................................................................................................10
Volunteer Medical Camps...................................................................................................................................10
Public Health / Medical Research ..................................................................................................................10
Partnerships.............................................................................................................................................................10
Program Advisors..................................................................................................................................................11
Placement Requirements ..................................................................................................................................11
Logistics.....................................................................................................................................................................12
Travel .........................................................................................................................................................................12
Accommodation ....................................................................................................................................................12
Food.............................................................................................................................................................................13
The Safari..................................................................................................................................................................14
Student Checklist...................................................................................................................................................15
Testimonials.............................................................................................................................................................17
Frequently Asked Questions.............................................................................................................................19
Elective Evaluation Form....................................................................................................................................25
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Our Mission
Elective Africa facilitates medical student elective placements abroad. For over 10 years
we have been working with community health centers and teaching hospitals in Africa,
to provide medical students with a rare opportunity for hands-on learning experience,
cultural exchange, and medical volunteering in Africa.
We organize placements for Medical, Nursing and Midwifery students as well as medical
camps for volunteer doctors. Placements range from Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Pediatrics, Dentistry, Radiology, Surgery and Emergency care among others.
Our Locations
We have operations in four main countries
• Kenya is the bedrock of our program and we have been operating in Kenya for
over 10 years. Our partnerships and strength of relationships in Kenya are second to
none and we can quickly place students in any region. We have relationships with 15
hospitals and have several doctors advising our program, supervising and evaluating
our placements. Kenya serves as the regional hub for our programs in Africa with
support staff coordinating operational activities.
• Malawi is the latest addition to our programs where we have established relationships
with Missionary Hospitals and teaching hospitals in the country. It offers an excellent
opportunity for those seeking to advance their knowledge in rural medicine and
community health.
• Zambia mainly attracts students from Europe and USA with placements concentrated
in the populous Copperbelt and Lusaka regions of the country. Our partners are on
hand to work with participants to ensure they meet their placement objectives.
• Tanzania is the newest of our programs where have developing relationships with
hospitals in Arusha and Dar es Salaam
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Our Offices
Our main offices are in Mombasa, Kenya where we manage most of our operations. We
also have offices in Nairobi and satellite offices in the US.
Mombasa, Kenya
Lantana Drive, Links Road Nyali
Mombasa, Kenya.
P. O. Box, 40195-80100
Nairobi, Kenya
Machera court, D4, Komo Lane
Wood Avenue, Kilimani
P. O. Box 100158
(00101) Jamia, Nairobi-Kenya
United States
30 Lockwood Drive
Princeton, NJ 08540
United States
Tel: (609) 643 0188
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From the Program Manager
Welcome
Welcome to Elective Africa. For over 10 years, we have organized electives for medical
students in Kenya and recently expanded to include more African countries. We are
committed to ensuring our program meets the following broad hurdles
•• Offering a rich, rare and insightful learning experience
•• Focusing on underserved communities in Africa
•• Facilitating cultural exchange and appreciation of host country communities and
cultures
•• Providing the time and space for reflection, inspiration and fun
Placement on the program is driven by individual skills, interests and the ability to
contribute to host community hospitals. In the past, our electives have drawn participants
from various backgrounds that include:
•• Senior medical students – students in the second half of their medical school
education
•• Junior medical students – students in the first half of their medical school education
•• Nursing students – nursing and midwifery students
•• Premedical students – students aspiring to join medical schools
•• Medical camps – qualified healthcare professionals looking for volunteer or
meaningful travel experience
•• Public health researchers – students and professionals doing research in the health
field
•• Others – this includes categories of students interested in the healthcare field such
as paramedics and health sciences
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Our Commitment
Once you enroll on the program we offer to provide a structured elective experience, an
opportunity for a hand-on learning experience in a different healthcare setting handling
a variety of health cases including tropical diseases, a safe and secure accommodation,
an opportunity for travel and cultural exchange.
As with any worthwhile endeavor, elective placements in developing countries come with
their own challenges. We would be remiss not to discuss the ethical tensions of practicing
medicine in developing countries. These range from working in resource constrained
settings with high patient loads to encountering medical complications that are a result
of unsuccessful traditional healing practices. This is an opportunity for students and
physicians to apply their knowledge and apply suitable medical interventions to save
lives.
Whatever your needs: medical elective, meaningful travel or volunteering, we will go the
extra mile to ensure you have a memorable learning experience and also some fun!
Sincerely,
Lillian Mugonyi-Nasser
Program Development Manager
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General Program Information
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Program Overview
Our programs are conducted in four countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi.
Students
Over the last ten years, we have successfully placed students from USA, Canada, Australia,
UK at several health facilities on the program. Students attending our programs have
mainly been medical or nursing students seeking elective placement. However, we also
have considerable number of premedical students attending our programs as a means
to gaining exposure to the medical field or even demonstrating serious intentions to join
medical school and the medical field.
Premedical Students
This program is designed for students who are considering enrolment in medical schools
and colleges. The program gives aspiring medical students an opportunity to experience
and learn firsthand the intricacies of becoming a medical doctor. The students gain
exposure to various medical fields including: Clinical medicine, obstetrics & gynecology,
pediatrics, emergency medicine, general and orthopedic surgery, E.N.T, ophthalmology
and radiology. Students participate in ward rotations, observe the supervising doctors
and draw an understanding of diverse aspects relating to patient care.
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Medical / Nursing Students
Once enrolled on the program, medical and nursing students are involved in daily
ward rounds between 8:00am-1pm Monday to Friday; they also get involved in bedside
procedures under supervision. They are placed in various units depending on their areas
of interest ranging from:
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Supervision and Evaluation
Students are supervised by full time and certified physicians and participate in all aspects
of patient care. This gives them an opportunity to refine their skills in history taking,
physical exams, and procedural skills. They are also involved in patient admissions,
clinical decisions concerning patient care as well as patient discharge. At the end of
the placement, their supervisor writes an evaluation report on their performance. The
report is either based on Elective Africa format or in a participating schools’ evaluation
format. See page 25 for our supervision and evaluation form.
Partnerships
Elective Africa works in partnership with various public and private organizations and
Institutions. These range from medical colleges, teaching hospitals and regional hospitals
among others. Our program advisors are college professors and medical consultants at
various health facilities. Some of our placement partners include:
• Kenyatta National Teaching Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
• University of Nairobi
• Coast General Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya
• Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
• Muhimbili Hospital, Dar-es- Salaam, Tanzania
• University Teaching Hospital, Zambia
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• Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Malawi
• Kenya Medical Research Institute, KEMRI
• Port Reitz Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya
For anyone who has spent time trying to navigate public institutions in the developing
world, this can be a very challenging experience. We have developed strong relationships
and networks with these hospitals and are also familiar with the healthcare and educational
systems in the western countries. We are therefore uniquely positioned to facilitate
medical electives, camps and projects for anyone looking to Africa as a destination.
Program Advisors
Prof. Joseph G Karanja is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at
the University of Nairobi in Kenya. He is a consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist
at all major hospitals in Kenya including Nairobi and Aga Khan Hospitals. He is the
current president of the East Central Southern Africa Obstetrics and Gynecology
Society (ECSAOGS) and the ECSA regional coordinator of the FIGO committee on
prevention of unsafe abortion.
Dr. Edgar Kuchingale is a specialist doctor at Mwaiwathu private hospital in Blantyre,
Malawi and a clinical lecturer at the University Of Malawi College Of Medicine. He has
worked at various government and faith based health facilities including the Blantyre
Adventist Hospital. He has held various positions in the Ministry of health and was
previously a District Health Officer heading a district health management team.
Dr. Paul Nyangasi Oduwo is a surgeon and the medical superintendent at Tudor
District Hospital and formerly the Medical Officer at Port Reitz District Hospital in
Mombasa. He is a consultant at the Pandya Hospital in Mombasa in the outpatient and
Casualty units.
Placement Requirements
• Students must show evidence of enrollment in a nursing / medical program
• For medical camps Doctors must show proof of medical qualification e.g certificates
of qualification or copies of practitioners’ license
• A letter from the school/college showing they are bona fide students at that institution
• Duly completed online application form
• A non refundable deposit of $300 that is deductible from the total program fee
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• Full payment of program fee 3 (three) months prior to starting the program
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Premedical and post baccalaureate student applications are considered on a case by
case basis.
Logistics
We undertake all logistical arrangements once a deposit of $300 has been made. This
includes getting clearance from the government to allow the student to participate on
the program as well as obtaining admission letters for placement to the respective health
facilities. The balance of payment is due for settlement 3 (three) months prior to starting
the program.
Travel
While students and visiting doctors make their own travel arrangements from their
respective countries, we organize local travel from the moment students arrive in the
country. This includes airport pick up, daily transportation to the health facilities as well
as a trip to the Maasai Mara game reserve or any other attraction that the students may
opt for in their country of choice. Students are advised to send copies of their travel
itinerary as well as copies of their passports to Elective Africa in advance. Entry visa
applications can be made at the immigration desk at the airport or from the respective
embassies in the home country prior to travelling. An entry visa costs approximately
$50 and is payable in cash at the immigration desk. Checks, credit or debit cards are
not accepted. Students are advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that will
cover medical evacuation and or repatriation to the country of origin.
Accommodation
We provide accommodation at a shared housing facility that accommodates 6-8 students.
The housing facility is gated and fenced to enhance security and is under 24/ 7 security
surveillance. In some cases we also organize home stays where students live with local
residents. This is an opportunity to interact with local communities and learn a new
way of life, language and culture. Bed linen and mosquito nets are provided. Guests
are required to bring their own towels. Laundry services are provided but students are
required to wash their personal clothing. However, if one needs their clothes washed,
an independent hand-washing and line-drying laundry service is available on site at a
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negotiated fee.
For doctors coming on the medical camp program, alternative accommodation
arrangements can be made for private accommodation at their own cost.
Food
Participants are provided with two meals per day, breakfast and dinner, and snacks are
available all day. There is always food in the fridge and a microwave for the days when a
participant is in the house during lunch hours. We also have ample supply of cold cuts
and fixings for sandwiches. The house is always stocked with breakfast items – bread,
eggs, coffee, tea, milk, cereal, fruits – for students to fix their own breakfast. For dinner,
a chef prepares and serves a meal daily. The menu has variety to accommodate all kinds
of preferences – meats, vegetables, rice, pasta, grains – with a touch of local cuisine. The
chef is always open to suggestions and will readily accommodate all reasonable requests.
There are several eateries where students can visit at their own expense whenever they
want to eat out. Several fast food restaurants also deliver western style burgers and pizzas.
Students with special dietary needs (allergies, lactose intolerance, diabetes, vegetarian) are
advised to inform their coordinator well in advance for special arrangements to be made.
Depending on the housing set up, there will be a BBQ on the first and last Friday of the
month. These BBQs also double up as welcome and farewell dinners for the incoming
and outgoing groups, respectively.
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The Safari
• Park entry fees for the safari – USD 60 per day, totaling USD 120 for the two nights
• All food and drinks after leaving our housing facility and before entering the game
reserve. And all food and drinks after leaving the game reserve and before returning
our housing facility
• Any overnight accommodation needed after leaving the housing facility and before
entering the game reserve, and any overnight accommodation needed after leaving
the game reserve and before returning to the housing facility. Participants are free to
choose whatever type of accommodation they want, but we typically recommend a
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value hotel that is very safe and clean, and costs about USD 23 per night. So if you
do spend a night in Nairobi before and after the safari, this will add up to USD 46.
Other Attractions
For students on placement in other countries: Tanzania, Zambia or Malawi, there are
various attractions to visit for example a visit to Zanzibar, a visit to the famous Lake
Malawi or a visit to the Victoria falls (Livingstone) in Zambia. The options in these
countries may vary depending on the season, please confirm with your coordinator.
Student Checklist
• Up to date immunizations including yellow fever – please see your physician for
advice
• Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended
• A valid visa that will allow one entry into the country- can be obtained at the port
of entry
• A valid passport for at least six months from the date of arrival
• A return air ticket
• Comprehensive travel Insurance
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• White coat / Scrubs
• Stethoscope
• Spotlight
• Towel
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Toiletries
• Power adapter
• Hairdryers and shavers
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Hand sanitizer
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Testimonials
Cassanne Eccleston, Charles Sturt University Australia, August, 2010
“Doing a medical elective in Kenya was an eye
opening experience. I got to see the developing
world health system and range of tropical diseases
not normally prevalent in Australia. I got to learn
and perform skills like administering injections,
catheters and suturing patients. I was also able
to take part in the examining, differentials,
diagnosing and formulating treatment plans. The
highlight for me would have to be the amazing
new friends I have made and the motivation I
have taken back home. I would recommend this
program to anyone considering it.”
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Jennifer Bess , MD , United States , July 1, 2010
“Once again, thanks so much for all you do. I had a wonderful, enriching experience and
look forward to folding what I learned into my courses.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Medical Advice do I need?
Students should get the latest medical advice on inoculations and malaria prevention
before coming to Kenya. Malaria risk exists all year round. Immunization against yellow
fever, polio and typhoid are usually recommended, but please consult your physician
prior to travel
One of the key reasons for using Elective Africa to facilitate and organize your elective or
volunteering in Africa is that we take all measures to ensure your safety abroad. African
people are friendly and warm towards foreigners.
Yes we do. All of our programs are suitable for groups or individuals. We can also tailor
the program to suit group or individual preferences. So whether you are a corporate
group, a researcher or a student seeking to volunteer in a specific area, we will design a
program that will meet your specific requirements.
Yes you can. This is especially so for volunteers on the Gap Year and Internship program
or those who would like to volunteer for more than 3 months.
This depends on your arrival airport. Our representative will be on hand to meet you,
participants are advised to send their travel itinerary to Elective Africa ahead of time.
Participants are advised to go through immigration and then pick their luggage and
proceed to the domestic departures for their connecting flights.
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What if I arrive in the night and need to travel to another city for my
placement?
We have specific hotels where we take our participants for overnight stays. Our
representative will be on hand to pick you and check you into the hotel. If students have
to proceed on a long bus journey we recommend a two nights stay to allow for enough
rest after a long flight.
Our volunteers typically live in a shared student house and upon request with a Kenyan
host family. Most students prefer to stay at the shared house as this gives them an
opportunity to interact and meet new friends. The home stays on the other hand offer
an opportunity to learn more about African communities and cultures. We make efforts
whenever possible to accommodate specific requests that a volunteer may have with
regards to their preferred accommodation.
No you do not. You will get a long extremely well with just English. However, it is helpful
to learn some basic words and phrases commonly used. This will be covered during the
training and orientation program.
Foods served during your placement period include traditional African meals like ugali
and sukuma wiki (corn meal and collard greens), githeri (maize and beans), irio as well as
chapattis (flat bread). African meals also consist of other universal dishes such as beef,
chicken, fish, rice and pasta. Breakfast usually consists of bread, eggs and tea. Fruits
and vegetables are plenty in Africa and feature frequently in menu preparations. Locally
grown coffee and tea are common beverages.
No. It is generally recommended that you drink bottled water during your stay. You can
buy bottled water from any supermarket and most shops. The most common water-
borne diseases in Africa are typhoid, cholera, amoebiasis and dysentery. We have a
constant supply of bottled clean water in the water cooler in our student housing.
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How can I communicate with home when abroad?
Local sim cards can be readily purchased for your mobile phones upon arrival. Alternatively,
there are several internet cafes around town where you can get internet access.
Yes. We can normally increase time at a project, and accommodation at short notice. You
must, however, be aware that a longer stay may necessitate a visa extension and extra
costs.
Domestic flights, insurance and costs of getting your visa are not included. Additionally,
if you choose the Safari supplement, the park entrance fee, meals to and from the safari
and any overnight stays before or after the safari are not included in your trip. The safari
supplement includes only the following:
Visas can be obtained on arrival at the Airport. All foreigners require a passport and a
visa to enter the country.
Visa Note: Visas can be obtained by most nationalities on arrival for a fee of US$50.00
which is valid for a period of three months and must be paid in a convertible currency.
We however strongly encourage our volunteers to obtain their visas before they depart
from their country as it is more convenient and saves time.
Once you have paid a reservation deposit of $300 (non-refundable, but can always
be credited to your placement account whenever you decide to come for any of our
programs). When possible, final payment should be made in full at least 3 months prior
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to your arrival for your program. A lot of work is done prior to your arrival – arranging
airport pick up, securing your accommodation, getting any required hospital, regulatory
or government permits.
What if I am vegetarian?
We offer a wide food variety that caters even for vegetarians. We just need to know your
special needs in advance.
There are various shopping outlets with a selection of shopping malls and/ supermarkets
that will cater for most of your shopping needs. While out shopping, do not wear
expensive clothing and excessive jewelry. Avoid dark or isolated alleys and always take
a taxi after dark. Do not carry a lot of cash on you that may attract petty theft. It is
however safe to shop in most parts of the city. We shall recommend and guide you
regarding appropriate areas to shop and visit during your placement.
Due to the poverty levels in the developing world, you are likely to be more fortunate
than most local people you meet. You will probably attract souvenir hawkers as well as
street children and beggars in smaller towns. Be sure to take some precautions such as:
• Have a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage.
• Do not walk on your own at night in the major cities.
• Do not wear excessive or expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a lot of cash with you.
• Limit the gadgets you carry with you: a small camera, phone, iPod
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• Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.
• More safety issues will be discussed during your orientation.
Bring along some comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothing such as sweat shirts,
shorts, jeans, skirts and any other clothing that you would ordinarily wear. Include warm
clothing for cold nights, especially if you volunteer in the rainy season (April to May) or
the cold season (June and July).
When out in the community, it is good to follow local etiquette. Dressing in the cities is
quite liberal. However, approach it with cultural sensitivity in mind and you will be fine.
Avoid excessively flashy or revealing items. Please ask when you are not sure on what is
appropriate.
Bring comfortable walking shoes such as sports shoes. It is also advised to carry a pair
of open-toed sandals, especially for those who will be volunteering in the hot season
(December to February; August to September). Carry a few smart outfits for special
occasions that you might be part of e.g. dinners or parties.
Volunteers need to bring their own towels, toiletries and other personal effects. Please
note that volunteers are responsible for their own laundry. It is safe to bring your hair
dryers, shavers and other electrical products.
Other suggested items:
• Malaria tablets; consult your doctor
• Adapter plugs and converters for electrical appliances
• Moisturizing cream and sunscreen lotion
• Insect repellent (e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, OFF, etc.)
• Basic medical kit (e.g. aspirins, band aids, Imodium, antiseptic cream, and anti-
histamine cream, etc.)
• A journal to document your experience
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What about the electricity supply for laptops, hairdryers etc?
The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 volts/50 Hz (240V 50 Hz D & G). The
electric sockets are three-pin square. Countries with different voltages and frequencies
will need a power converter. It is important to check this as incorrect use may damage
your equipment. Check your electrical equipment to see if you will need a power
converter and/or a plug adapter. Volunteers may purchase power converters in their
home countries or on arrival. For plug adapters, these are widely available in shops and
supermarkets all over the country. We advise volunteers to purchase them after arrival in
the country and after confirming what type of sockets they have in their accommodation.
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Elective Evaluation Form
NOTE: Emphasis on supervision and evaluation is a key differentiator and credibility
factor for Elective Africa as a facilitator of electives. Every participant, depending on their
program, is evaluated by the supervising physician or nurse under whose supervision they
worked. We use this form as our generic evaluation form. However, given that each school
has it own unique needs, we prefer that students bring their own evaluation forms or have
them emailed to us at info@electiveafrica.com so that we complete and mail them back.
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Elective Africa requires that the supervisor and the student have a formal feedback at
the end of the elective period. Did this take place?
YES:_________ NO:____________
ANY COMMENTS:
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