Healthcare and Nutrition Projects in Siem Reap

What is the Healthcare, Nutrition & Dentistry Projects in Siem Reap all about?

This is a fantastic opportunity for volunteers with public health experience to become involved in Healthcare and Nutrition projects in Siem Reap in a capacity-building role. In western societies access to these services is often taken for granted but this is not the case in Cambodia. We work with a range of NGO’s in and around Siem Reap and they are seeking support to help develop the level of service and support that they can offer the community. Despite the considerable tourism income in Siem Reap town, Siem Reap province is one of the poorer provinces in Cambodia and people are in desperate need of improved care and access to general health/wellbeing and nutrition programmes, especially education about how to prevent and protect against disease and poor health.

The role of the NGO’s in Siem Reap varies. Some projects already offer health and nutrition and oral hygiene advice but would like to improve the materials they have and range of advice they can offer.  Others don’t currently have staff qualified to educate their communities about these issues but would really like to set up education programs within these areas. Bring your knowledge and skills of nutrition, hygiene and general healthcare and develop the capacity of local NGOs to support the communities in and around Siem Reap.

Why choose this Healthcare & Nutrition project?

NGO’s often would like to offer health, nutrition and dental hygiene advice to their communities but normally lack the knowledge or resources to do so. Volunteers are needed to help set up programs, which can then be run by local staff either at the project office or out in the community. This is an essential aspect of any work in international development as it contributes to sustainability. For any senior medical student or professional these placements will certainly develop your understanding of an under-resourced health care system and approach taken to tackle issues related to poor health, dental hygiene and nutrition, a great addition to your CV/resume.

Role of the Medical Volunteer in Cambodia

As a volunteer, you will mainly be responsible for educating local staff and devising programs which can be taught by them – remember members of the poorer communities often don’t speak English. You will be asked to create the curriculum for the local team to follow, and to give advice on how best to convey the information. Towards the end of your placement, you may observe local team members teaching your curriculum when you can make suggestions about how to teach effectively and engage the audience – normally the Cambodian style of teaching is drill-style where the teacher talks and the students listen. A more interactive style of teaching may be more effective, so you can offer advice on how to get the students more involved in the learning process.

Specific needs are first aid training, general oral hygiene workshops, basic nutrition advice, food hygiene and sexual education workshops. You will be asked to write down your plans so that there is a written record of your recommendations and training. You may also have the opportunity to observe treatment days but please note you are not able to treat patients in Cambodia and this is an education and observation placement only.

What skills do I need to be a Medical Volunteer in Siem Reap?

Experienced volunteers are required for these placements or those who are in the final year of their studies in medicine, public health, nutrition or dentistry. All volunteers are expected to work well with others, be patient and to demonstrate cultural sensitivity to make the most of the placement.

You will be asked to send your CV/resume before being accepted onto this project, and also to send a letter of motivation, medical certificate and 2 references from a former teacher or employer. You will be asked to attend a telephone interview to assess the best placement for you.

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