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Medical Electives in Fiji and Medical Volunteering
Tropical, friendly and unique: medical electives in Fiji.
Medical electives in Fiji are a world away from the luxury tourist resorts. The Fijian Islands are beautiful, with secluded white beaches and water sports. Immerse yourself in the culture, learn to live on ‘Fiji time’ and experience island life.
We work with all of the major hospitals in Suva, Lautoka, Nadi and Sigatoka. There are also great medical electives on the second largest island of Vanua Levu at the hospitals in Savusavu and Labasa as well as a remote clinic. We also have some placements for students to get involved in health care projects with the local community.
The hospitals welcome students doing their medical electives in Fiji however you must be in the final 1-2 years of your degree. You may choose your preferred area including Medical, Surgery, Paediatrics, O&G, Community Medicine, Dentistry or Physiotherapy. Typical hours of duty at the hospitals are 8 am – 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. We arrange the local medical registration which may take up to 1 month to complete and there are only limited places available. Therefore please register for your place as early as possible!!
As with all medical electives, you will need an open mind, a level of resourcefulness, patience and a flexible attitude.
Call or email now to register your interest for these exciting and rewarding medical electives program in Fiji
(Forward your completed Volunteer Application Form so that we can hold your place)
Hospitals in Fiji – Suva, Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka, Savusavu or Labasa
The large public hospitals continue to experience shortages of doctors, nurses and consumables and therefore they appreciate medical electives students to lend a hand and possibly take some medical supplies.
The most common local conditions include NCD’s (particularly diabetes and heart disease), drownings and general medicine. All departments and specialties are short-staffed and therefore there are only limited places available for students. The skills that are most needed include general surgeons, orthopaedics, anaesthetists, pharmacists, O&G, dentistry, ICU and A&E.
Students are welcomed with a short orientation at the hospital and will work alongside a local staff member. We provide you with an information booklet and a list of recommended items to take with you.
Please note that all prices for 2023 are to be confirmed.
| Location | Duration | Cost/ Student AUD | Accommodation type – please ask for more options. |
| Suva | 4 weeks 6 weeks 8 weeks | A$3,695 A$4,595 A$6,396 | Comfortable guesthouse with own room with air-con, fan and ensuite bathroom. Breakfast and WiFi are included and there is a communal kitchen, lounge and laundry. Close to the hospital. ** Discount available for 2 students travelling together ** |
| Lautoka and Nadi | 4 weeks 6 weeks 8 weeks | A$3,295 A$4,595 A$5,795 | Home Stay (single room or share with another student) with bathroom, fan, most meals and laundry facilities available. Upgrade to guesthouse available for private room with ensuite bathroom, bistro and swimming pool onsite. ** Discount available for 2 students travelling together * |
| Sigatoka | 4 weeks 6 weeks 8 weeks | A$2,295 A$2,995 A$3,695 | Self-contained apartment (may be shared with other medical students of the same gender), ceiling fans, daily housekeeping, laundry service and swimming pool onsite. Take a local bus to/from hospital. ** Discount available for 2 students travelling together. ** |
| Savusavu | 4 weeks 6 weeks 8 weeks | tba
| Self-contained apartment with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms available only for visiting medical teams. Cooking and laundry facilities, fans, air-con, WiFi and Sky TV. Linen is provided and there is a fortnightly cleaning service. The hospital is a 10-15 minute walk or take a local bus or taxi. |
| Labasa | 4 weeks 6 weeks 8 weeks | A$3,595 A$4,995 A$6,395 | Self-contained apartment or home stay accommodation in quiet location. Access to kitchen, lounge and laundry facilities plus Wi-fi. The hospital is a 15 minute walk or a short bus ride. ** Discount available for 2 students travelling together. ** |
Durations are flexible – please ask for details.
INCLUSIONS: Transfers to/from nearest Airport, Placement with pre-departure advice, support and information pack, Accommodation and Medical Supervisor. DocTours t-shirt and personal luggage label.
EXCLUSIONS: Meals and Drinks, Items of a personal nature (eg telephone and laundry), Travel Insurance, Vaccinations and Passport fees, Medical electives in Fiji registration fee of FJD1,000 (around AUD655), Flights (and taxes) to and from your destination in Fiji.
ORIENTATION: You will fly into Nadi International Airport and then, depending on your actual placement, connect to the nearest domestic Airport and then transfer to your accommodation. In most cases, accommodation is at a comfortable guesthouse or self-contained apartment with fan, tv, tea & coffee making facilities, bathroom with shower. In some cases there is access to a swimming pool. You can look forward to trying a variety of local dishes including taro, breadfruit, sweet potato, cassava chips, coconut, curries, fabulous seafood and fresh tropical fruit.
FIJI Weather:
- Apr-early Oct: Best time to visit. Dry season with warm weather.
- Nov-Mar: Humid and hot. Wet season and rain can be expected.
STUDENT MEDICAL INDEMNITY: Medical elective students will need student medical indemnity (medical defence cover) for your registration in Fiji. Please ask your provider to cover you for your dates in Fiji and send us a copy.
DEPOSIT: A deposit of A$495 will be requested after your placement is confirmed. This deposit is non-refundable.
FINAL PAYMENT: Final payment is due two months prior to departure.
FLIGHTS: We recommend booking your own flights with Fiji Airways, Jetstar or Virgin on the internet.
VISAS: We will provide details on applying for your student permit for Fiji.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: It is a condition of your travel arrangements that you have current travel insurance to cover against cancellation fees, medical expenses (including Covid cover), lost luggage and evacuation.
CANCELLATION FEES: Please refer to our Terms & Conditions. Please note that all costs are subject to change due to increases in taxes, hotel and volunteer price increases, as well as currency adjustments.