For volunteer opportunities in your local community, check with your medical school’s office of student affairs. In addition to local volunteer activities, international organizations are always seeking qualified health care workers.
As you peruse the links below, keep in mind that most international volunteer opportunities entail significant out-of-pocket expenses, including travel to and from the location.
To help defray the cost of international volunteering, consider applying for an International Health Studies grant from the MMS and Alliance Charitable Foundation.
International Volunteer Opportunities
Links to numerous other organizations looking for health care volunteers. Medical students may not be eligible for some opportunities listed.
- American Academy of Family Physicians
Provides information about different international opportunities. - International Medical Volunteers Association
Profiles of organizations that require medical or medical support personnel for humanitarian missions. Site also offers tips on choosing from among several volunteer prospects. - Global Volunteers
Health care-related volunteer “vacations” abroad or in the U.S., lasting from one to 24 weeks. - Missions for Med Students
The opportunities listed here are specifically geared toward medical students. The site also includes ideas on funding sources, rotation assignments, and specialty training. - Amazon Medical Project
Volunteer opportunities are available for fourth-year medical students at the Yanamono Medical Clinic in the remote Amazon basin of northeastern Peru. Volunteers must speak Spanish.
