Medical Clinic in Manglaralto

About the Project

This project consits of a small health clinic and hospital that serves a large number of patients each day.  By providing general care to children and adults as well as more specialized medical attention through surgeries and treatments, the clinic hopes to serve the neediest population. Often times, patients come seeking medical attention but must wait hours due to the long lines and understaffed facilities. It is with the volunteer’s help that more patients can receive the quality care they deserve.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers will be working side by side with the doctors and nurses in different areas of the hospital. Normally starting in the emergency room, volunteers have the chance to get comfortable with the hospital and using their Spanish. They will learn how to take vital signs, do minor suturing, remove stitches, and take blood samples. Afterwards, they may move on to other areas like pediatrics, obstetrics, internal medicine, or surgery depending on where help is needed and on his or her interests. Specific duties will also depend on his or her level of Spanish and previous experiences and educational background.

Location

The clinic is located in Manglaralto, just 30 minutes south of Machalilla National Park, and about 2 hours north of Guayaquil. All volunteers will be met at the airport in Quito, given an orientation and overnight stay, and then taken to the bus station the following day to travel to Manglaralto.

Accommodations and Meals

Accommodation during the project is with a carefully screened host family located in Manglaralto. All meals with your host family are included during your stay.

Requirements

Experience or education in health care or medicine is highly preferred, although those with no medical experience may be able to assist with administrative duties. An intermediate level of Spanish is required. Spanish lessons are available prior to the volunteer project in Quito for an additional fee.

Need more information?
Request a Brochure

Send us a message

Feel free to contact us by phone toll free (in the U.S. only), 1-888-ABROAD-1 (888-227-6231).

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Volunteer Application (pdf)