READY TO VOLUNTEER?
There are multiple steps to the placement process and often more than one approval is required. The process varies slightly from country-to-country and project-to-project. We strive to make this process as quick as possible but potential volunteers should be aware that final approval can take several months.
- To begin the placement process, complete the volunteer application and submit your CV.
ACTIVE PROJECTS
EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDER (EMR) – PREHOSPITAL
Thimphu, Bhutan—Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH)
The goal of this project is to improve the pre-hospital ambulance care in Bhutan through training paramedic/emergency medical responder (EMR) students who are completing their clinical placements at the Emergency Department of JDWNRH. Volunteers provide didactic and simulation-based training on a variety of pre-hospital topics to second- and third-year EMR students and field training to third-year students, including riding along in the ambulance for emergency calls and modeling proper patient care.
Project type: In-person only
Length of assignment: One to six months
Qualifications: Volunteers are required to be certified paramedics. Ideal candidates have extensive experience teaching paramedics and traveling and working in resource-challenged environments.
In 2024, the government of Bhutan began enforcing new immigration legislation that HVO must follow: a work permit cannot be issued to volunteers who are over the age of 65. As a result, all volunteers MUST be under the age of 65 at the time of their assignment in order to qualify for a work permit.
Housing: Housing is available on a first-come, first served basis. Let HVO staff know that you’re interested in housing so that necessary arrangements can be made.
Companions allowed: Bhutan’s immigration regulations do not allow volunteers who are staying less than 90 days to bring family members. For longer stays, volunteers may bring a spouse. Not suitable for minors.
EMERGENCY MEDICINE PROJECT
Thimphu, Bhutan—Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH)
The goal of this project is to improve the quality and efficiency of emergency care provided in the Emergency Department at JDWNRH. Volunteers will spend time reviewing the clinical assessment and management of patients with the physicians and nurses in the department. The focus is on improving clinical assessment and medical decision-making skills. The site wants volunteers to contribute to the development of a clinical curriculum for the various levels of providers. Volunteers write or edit one of the core curriculum units during their visit, collaborating with the appropriate medical specialist. In addition, volunteers conduct short interactive educational sessions, such as case and clinical skills reviews, and prepare one formal case-management conference.
Project type: In-person only
Length of assignment: One month
Qualifications: Volunteers must be board certified in emergency medicine or a primary care specialty with significant practical experience in emergency medicine. The ideal candidate has previous teaching experience or a strong interest in teaching and is currently engaged in clinical practice. Previous experience working in resource-challenged countries is strongly preferred.
In 2024, the government of Bhutan began enforcing new immigration legislation that HVO must follow: a work permit cannot be issued to volunteers who are over the age of 65. As a result, all volunteers MUST be under the age of 65 at the time of their assignment in order to qualify for a work permit.
Housing: Housing is available on a first-come, first served basis. Let HVO staff know that you’re interested in housing so that necessary arrangements can be made.
Companions allowed: Bhutan’s immigration regulations do not allow volunteers who are staying less than 90 days to bring family members. For longer stays, volunteers may bring a spouse. Not suitable for minors.