“Attending physicians, residents, interns and nurses were all extremely appreciative of input regarding clinical situations and were also helpful and informative when I had questions regarding communicating with patients and families….Staff was helpful in helping me understand the expectations of families. Be up front with questions, and if you don’t understand the reply ask at least a second time for clarification. There are cultural differences, but they are not significant barriers to communication and positive relationships. Being a physician is a powerful common denominator.“
-HVO Residency Volunteer
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
RESIDENCY TRAINING PROJECT
Thimphu, Bhutan—Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB)
HVO volunteers help faculty at the university to train residents in the fields of ophthalmology, general and family medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, anesthesiology, ENT, and psychiatry. Following the existing curriculum, volunteers may be asked to provide weekly lectures, surgical demonstrations, and co-treating patients in clinics with local staff.
Project type: In-person
Assignment: Three months minimum, longer preferred.
Qualifications: Volunteers must be fully trained, licensed, and credentialed health care providers with academic teaching experience. However, volunteers who have extensive professional experience within their specialty area, but who are now retired and no longer hold a current license, can be utilized within the residency-training program in a didactic educational role.
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: 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 and minor children.