The Combase Hospital in Cochabamba enables you to gain insights into various specialties. You can flexibly rotate through different departments and get to know the work of doctors, nurses and specialist doctors. Electives and internships are possible for students and trainees from all health care disciplines as well as pre-medical and pre-nursing students. The hospital does also welcome health care professionals of the above-mentioned disciplines.
At Combase Hospital you can do your healthcare elective or internship in the vibrant valley city of Cochabamba in Bolivia. Experience Bolivia's authentic culture while gaining valuable work experience for your studies and assisting in a busy, charitable hospital. Electives and internships are possible for students of medicine, nursing, and physiotherapy. Pre-medical and pre-nursing internships are also possible!
Hospital profile
At a glance
Departments available for internships:
The hospital has departments of General Medicine, Family Medicine, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Paediatrics, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Urology, Otolaryngology, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Urology, Psychiatry/Psychology, Dentistry and Physiotherapy. The hospital also has a laboratory, X-ray and ultrasound and an on-site pharmacy.
Hospital Description
Combase Hospital is centrally located in Cochabamba and treats around 100 outpatient patients per day. The hospital also has 15 beds for inpatient admission.
Internship profile
Typical day and tasks of an intern
Interns will normally be working from Monday to Friday. Since the hospital is relatively small, it is recommended to be flexible regarding the department you would like to be placed in. Usually, interns and elective students flexibly join the work routine at the department that's most busy. Your days will therefore be very varied: i.e. might help to treat a child's wound in the morning, observe a childbirth right after and later treat a burn. Combase Hospital offers you the possibility to get to know a large number of departments and specialisations at the same time. During your placement you will observe and assist the staff on your ward in their daily work. After a familiarisation and orientation phase you may (depending on your previous knowledge) also carry out minor treatments and activities under the supervision of the attending physicians, nurses or therapists, e.g. drug delivery, wound care, vital signs measurements, vaccinations and other assistance activities. You will be assigned a supervisor from your area of specialisation, who will decide which examinations and treatments you are allowed to carry out under supervision to the patient. It may also be possible to join outreach programs, which take place in 5 different locations in the outskirts of Cochabamba, where doctors carry out screenings and treatments.
Interns should bring their own hospital clothes; white scrubs and closed shoes of any colour. It is also advised to bring your own hand sanitiser and your own stethoscope. If working in the operating theatre you should bring surgical clothing (green or blue), a surgical mask and surgical cap.
Supervisors available
You will be assigned a supervisor from your field who will look after you during your elective. If your university / school has special requirements regarding the supervision of your elective, please let us know so that we can inform the hospital.
Requirements
Minimum age:
18
Maximum age:
99
Minimum qualification of the intern:
There are no minimum academic qualifications required for pre-medical or pre-nursing internships. However, basic to intermediate knowledge of Spanish is required. If you don't speak Spanish yet, we can arrange a 4-week intensive Spanish course in Cochabamba before you start your elective or internship.
Application process
Documents required:
Please contact us for a list of the necessary application documents.
Application instructions:
As soon as you have sent us your complete application documents, we will submit your application to the hospital and can usually give you a confirmation within a few work days. Then you decide whether you want to take the place. Before that there are no costs for you.
Costs
- 2 weeks 770 USD
- 4 weeks 895 USD
- 8 weeks 1461 USD
- 3 months 1971 USD
- 6 months 0 USD
- 1 year 0 USD
This includes:
* Single room accommodation at shared apartment, shared with other volunteers/interns
* Monthly hospital contribution ($150 USD per month),
* Individual Consultation and Preparation prior to your arrival,
* Access to the World Unite! Online Resource Centre which has Preparation Materials including Intercultural Preparation, compiled particularly for your destination (PDFs, Videos),
* Preparation Session via Skype, together with other participants,
* Assistance with visa extension in Bolivia or arrangement of visa (depending on duration of stay) and other official permits (if required), but not the official government fees for it/them,
* Pick-up and Transfers from/to Cochabamba Airport (CBB) on arrival and departure,
* Personal support staff at your location and at our international office,
* Orientation and Introduction in Cochabamba,
* Accompanying you to your placement on your first day,
* 24 Hours emergency support by local support team,
* Local SIM Card with 60 Bolivianos air time,
* Issuance of Confirmations/Certificates for your university, scholarship, insurance, etc. and filling out/signing Internship Contracts for your university.
This does not include:
- Meals,
- Travel to/from Bolivia (you book it on your own or we can assist you),
- Official fees for Visa,
- Insurance (Travel Health Insurance, Liability Insurance, Travel Cancellation insurance; you can book it on your own or we can assist you)
- Personal Expenses,
- Vaccinations,
- Local Transport.
What to bring:
Interns should bring their own hospital clothes; white scrubs and closed shoes of any colour. It is also advised to bring your own hand sanitiser and your own stethoscope. If working in the operating theatre you should bring surgical clothing (green or blue), a surgical mask and surgical cap.