Medical Volunteering Sites

While working in Peru, I have had several people contact me about some of the different sites that I worked out, and their respective contact information.  As such, below you will find a list of different organizations/clinical sites that I have either worked at or have heard positive feedback.

PLACES THAT I HAVE PERSONALLY WORKED AT, AND WOULD RECOMMEND:

1.  Hospital Antonio Lorena, Cusco, Peru 


Located in the Santiago district of Cusco, Peru (see map), this is one of the two main public hospitals in Cusco, and generally serves the lower economic class.  Offers most medical services including surgery, medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrical care.  Tuition for foreign students is $100 per 1-month rotation.  At least an intermediate Spanish level is highly recommended, although I have heard that are a select few physicians in the hospital that speak English, and can be requested to work with.

Of note, the hospital is currently going under complete reconstruction (as of spring/summer 2012), which may or may not have some impact on clinical services that are offered.

Contact Information:
Either of the following two persons may be contacted at capacitacionhal@hotmail.com

Dr. Humberto Alvizurí
Señora Leticia Moreno (she says she more reliably answers emails).
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Also located in Cusco (see map), this is the other public hospital.  A bit larger and more central than Antonio Lorena, it offers similar medical services, but in addition has its own infectious disease unit, a burn unit, and neurosurgical care.  Tuition for foreign students is $150 per 1-month rotation.  At least intermediate Spanish highly recommended.
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Contact Information:
Dr. Manuel Montoya, montoyamanuel@hotmail.com
Maria de Carmen,  mclv-2007@hotmail.com
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Located in a small town (called Pisac, see map) in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, this site is a small clinic that offers general medical and pediatric services, as well as obstetrical care.  Generally serves a more rural population, many of whose patients may only speak Quechua, the native language.  Mostly outpatient consults, but also has capacity for few minor hospitalizations and urgent care.  Any more serious cases are transferred to Cusco.  No tuition fees are required, but any type of monetary or other donations are greatly appreciated.  At least intermediate Spanish highly recommended.
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Also participates in rural campaigns/ambulatory clinics throughout the country side several times per month.
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Contact Information:
Dr. Edgar Claudio Farfan Quispe, cs_pisac1961@yahoo.es 
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This clinic is located in Larapas neighborhood within Cusco (see map), and specializes in cervical cancer screening and other women’s health services.  The founder, Dr. Daron Ferris, is associated with the Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta, Ga and travels to Cusco about every other month.  Excellent experience for students interested in womens’ care, especially improving technical skills in pap smears.  The clinic has the most state of the art facilities in cervical cancer screening within the entire country.  The clinic also regularly does rural campaigns.  There is generally a $500 tuition fee for students not associated with the Georgia Health Sciences network – this fee is used to help maintain the clinic.  The clinic also has on-site housing where all volunteers are expected to stay.  Many of the staff speak English.
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Contact Information:
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PLACES THAT I HAVE NO PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, BUT HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED BY OTHER STUDENTS/VOLUNTEERS:
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1.  Awamaki
This organization, based out of Ollantaytambo (within the Sacred Valley, about 2 hour drive outside of Cusco, see map)), works with community weavers to preserve their traditions and culture.  Within the organization is a health component that runs mobile health clinics and campaigns.  For more information on their projects, check out their website.  Unless you plan to do a 6 month or longer term, there is a $600 tuition fee for health volunteers, that is used to maintain the health projects.
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Contact Information:
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This clinic is located in Coya (see map), about 20 minutes further in the Sacred Valley from Pisac.  This clinic is run by an American couple, previously peacecorp volunteers in Peru.  The clinic is very well-run and organized.  The clinic offers general medical services, and has their own operating room.  The regularly bring American teams of surgeons or other specialists for particular health campaigns.  There is no tuition fee, but I believe at least a 1 month commitment is required.  For more info, check out their website.  Some of the staff speak English, but some Spanish is recommended.
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Contact Information:
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CLINICS OUTSIDE OF PERU:
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1.  Quetzaltenango, Guatemala – Primeros Pasos
A very well-run and established outpatient clinic located about 20 minutes outside of Xela (Quetzaltenango).  This clinic serves the rural community and offers general medical consultations and check-ups.  Has a large population of pediatrics patients, and the local schools regularly bring students for check-ups.  Also does a lot of health education/promotion work in the local community.  For more information, check out their website.
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Contact Information:
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2.  Estancia, El Salvador & Chiapas, Mexico – Doctors for Global Health
Doctors for Global Health is a non-profit organization based in the U.S.A. that promotes health and human rights projects throughout the world.  While they have several international sites and projects where they work, the sites in Mexico and El Salvador are two that are more established.  No tuition fees are required, but a longer term commitment (minimum usually 3 months) is usually required.  For more information, check out their website.
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Contact Information:

 

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