Barrio Paushiyacu, Tena (5 hours east of Quito in the Amazon region)

This is a busy clinic about 10 minutes walk from the center of Tena. There are normally 3 doctors there in the mornings and 2 in the afternoons, as well as 2-3 nurses throughout the day. Each doctor sees between 15-20 patients, making the clinic treat about 80-100 patients per day. People come in for a variety of treatments, and many of the patients are mothers who come in with sick children. They are always quite busy and understaffed and would greatly appreciate volunteers who can help.

As a volunteer, you would learn a lot very quickly and soon be prepping the patients to see the doctors (taking histories, vitals, etc). In addition, you could sit in with the doctors to learn more, as well as get some practical skills in giving shots or certain medications.  There is no previous medical experience necessary, though the more knowledge you have, certainly the better.  The doctors will teach you a lot and you will get valuable experience if you are interested in going into medicine in the future.

4 weeks minimum

Intermediate – advanced Spanish,

As stated above, no medical experience is officially required, but this is a perfect site for those wanting to study medicine in the future and want some clinical experience. If you do have experience in medicine, you would be that much more valuable to the clinic in what you can give and they would surely appreciate that

Clinic opens at 8am till 4:30pm