Peru Volunteering-Health-Obstetrician´s Assistant - Puesto de Salud Jose Olmedo

Description

This placement is in the District of Independence, in the North-Eastern part of Lima. Independencia, as the region is called, is home to the lower middle class, as well as, poverty stressed families. Most of the inhabitants lack the basic necessities of life, including clean drinking water and accessible healthcare and medicine. The majority of the residents in the area are children whom have never been seen/visited by medical personnel.
This small medical center caters to over 6,000 people, most of whom are in relatively poor health due to lack of nutritional foods and access to medical care. In addition the Puesto de Salud Jose Olaya is seriously understaffed, with only one doctor, one nurse, two technicians, a part-time obstetrician and a part-time pediatrician. There is simply not enough people working at this center to manage all the patients requirements. Volunteers by providing hands-on assistance to the obstetrician will help improve the situation.
During your time at Puesto de Salud Jose Olaya, as an Obstetrician´s Assistant, you will be vital in easing the work load at this understaffed center. Along with the staff obstetrician and nurses you will be assisting with the OB. patients.
Your duties may include: assisting the doctor during physical examinations, cleaning and sanitizing the equipment and explaining safe sex practices and healthy parenting to mothers and fathers. You may also be asked to organize and give presentations on such topics as HIV/AIDS, pregnancy and sexual health to community members when they visit the clinic.

Requirements:
Volunteers should be at least a third or fourth year nursing or medical student. Experience and coursework in obstetrics is preferred. It is also important to be able to speak an intermediate level of Spanish in order to communicate effectively at this placement.

Requirements

Language

English