Projects Abroad - MONGOLIA Project Information for Medicine in Mongolia

Volunteer Medical Placements in Mongolia

Medical projects in Mongolia are based in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Volunteers are placed either in busy central hospitals or in more specialized clinics, such as maternal, child or cancer clinics. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in several different wards and departments of the hospital they are placed in. Depending on the hospital, these departments could include dermatology, ENT, obstetrics, paediatrics, radiology, gynaecology, haematology, and surgery. Volunteers are expected to work for up to 8 hours per day Monday to Friday.

In some departments of the hospital you will feel like you are of benefit by helping with the workload. However, in other departments you will primarily be an observer, which means that although you are not directly helping the hospital you are increasing your own knowledge of medicine, knowledge which you can later put into practice.

Medical practice in Mongolia is typically 'Western' (actually Russian); however there are also a number of private complementary medical clinics where you can spend some time to help broaden your medical experience.

Hospitals in Mongolia also welcome volunteer nurses whether you are fully qualified or looking to gain initial experience, so long as you can help with the general care of patients.

An Example of the Volunteer's Role in a Medical Placement

Cancer Hospital

This hospital is the only one of its kind in Mongolia and is therefore fairly big. During the first stage of a volunteer's time they are required to work as a nurse, helping to move patients, cleaning, washing, and generally doing what the supervisor asks. The second stage involves observing surgeries and participating in patient diagnosis. If qualified the volunteer can then move on to helping with operations.