Non-Elective Placements (Work Experience) in India
Government hospital - Through our agreement with the Kerala State Institute of Health and Family Welfare we are able to offer placements in several busy government hospitals. Communication can be a challenge as though most supervisors speak English, patients often don't. Mayalam lessons are provided at the Work the World house, and for those that are proactive there is scope for students and professionals to gain good experience in general medicine, surgery, paediatrics, orthopaedics, emergency, obstetrics and gynaecology.
Private hospitals - India is the best of our destinations for specialist work and professionals can be quite specific about chosen departments. There are excellent placements in cardiology, neurology, anaesthetics, plastics surgery, oncology and mental health. The same cultural and language barriers are evident, but students particularly may find it easier to get involved in a smaller, friendlier and less frenetic environment.
Charity-funded clinics - These are much smaller and focus on pain and palliative care. Working with your supervisor will often require travelling out to rural villages to treat patients, a chance to truly experience basic Indian healthcare and meet people from different communities.
Don't forget - if your preferred speciality is not listed, give us a call as we can usually accommodate most requests.
Split placements - If you have four weeks or more it is definitely worthwhile thinking about splitting an elective in India. The social, or caste system really does affect the level of care patients can receive. Working in different hospitals and clinics reflects this gap and will give you a better understanding of Indian healthcare as a whole. You will also get to meet people from all walks of life. For professional physiotherapists, there is a great opportunity to work with physios at the hospital then work in rural villages where there is no access to physiotherapy treatment despite much demand.
Ayurvedic Medicine - Holistic treatment is integral to Indian healthcare and 70% of the population shun modern medicine in favour of traditional care. To complement your hospital placement we run a week long Ayurvedic Medicine course that gives you the opportunity to both learn about and receive treatment, whilst living with a local family. Read more on our Ayurvedic Medicine page.
Check out case studies from previous participants that have taken their placements in India.