International Volunteer Opportunities

AAFP Opportunities

AAFP International Activities Office -- The AAFP International Activities Office facilitates the global development of family medicine through the support of AAFP members, staff divisions and family medicine constituencies in the United States and other countries. Be sure to check out the International Update Newsletter through the links on the left.

Center for International Health Initiatives (CIHI) -- The CIHI was created in 2000 in response to increased interest in the global development of family medicine. Since then, the center has worked to assist in the development of deliberately trained, competent generalist physicians to meet the health needs of the community and country.

International Rotations -- AAFP's International Activities Office has compiled a guide for medical students looking for family medicine residency programs that offer international rotations. Opportunities are listed by state, although the programs should be contacted individually for the most up-to-date information.

AAFP Foundation -- The AAFP Foundation is a charitable organization that is funded through AAFP members' donations. The mission of the AAFP Foundation is to "advance the values of Family Medicine by promoting humanitarian, educational, and scientific initiatives that improve the health of all people."

Physicians With Heart -- The Physicians With Heart project is an international humanitarian partnership between the AAFP Foundation and Heart to Heart International. The project mobilizes resources to improve health, provide medical education and, foster the development of family medicine worldwide.

Other International Opportunities

Child Family Health International -- Through volunteer positions, internships and scholarship opportunities, CFHI encourages students to travel abroad. Nearly 700 medical students last year worked at the grassroots level to promote global health care for the underserved. The organization has community initiatives, medical supply recovery and global service learning projects, all of which help further their mission of advancing quality health care for all.

Christian Medical and Dental Associations (CMDA) -- Global Health Outreach, sponsored by the CMDA, sets up short-term Christian mission projects to underserved areas in other countries. These trips vary in length and are scheduled on a regular basis. Unless specified, each project needs physicians (of any specialty), dentists, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, optometrists, students (medical, dental, nursing, PA, pharmacy, pre-med, etc.), medical technologists, interpreters and support staff.

Global Health Education Consortium -- Since 1991, GHEC has been a consortium of health professionals, educators, students and institutions committed to improving the ability of the global workforce to meet the needs of underserved populations. GHEC also works to promote and facilitate global health education in the areas of career development, clinical training, education policy and curriculum and training materials development.

Global Volunteers -- Medical students are regularly needed to perform basic health care services, including physical exams, newborn check ups, eyesight tests and even teaching English medical terminology to medical students and health professionals in China. You can choose your volunteer service by work projects offered or by the people and area served.

International Healthcare Opportunities Clearinghouse (IHOC) -- The IHOC Web site is designed to serve as a database of available positions for health care professionals and students seeking volunteer work in underserved communities in the U.S. or abroad. IHOC is an ongoing project that started in 1996 by a small group of medical students and faculty members from the University of Massachusetts and is maintained by the Lamar Soutter Medical Library at the university.

International Medical Volunteers Association (IMVA) -- The IMVA serves as a clearinghouse between potential volunteers and volunteer organizations. Its site covers such topics as finding the right opportunity or organization and how to prepare for an international experience, as well as clinical tips. It also lists over 200 volunteer organizations with information about where they serve, requirements, funding and contacts. The Student's Corner offers tips for students to find volunteer opportunities with international health organizations and a listing of resources, courses and conferences.

Service Opportunities for Students and Residents -- This directory maintained by the AAFP highlights different organizations that accept medical students and residents for international service.

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) -- UMCOR's health and welfare programs address primary care, hospital revitalization, disability services and prevention and treatment of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. You can sign up to volunteer on a disaster response team in the U.S. or work through one of UMCOR's NGO field offices abroad.

University of Arizona International Health Course -- The tuition-free summer course on International Health: Clinical and Community Care, at the University of Arizona, is a practical course preparing fourth-year medical students and residents for "international rotations." Visiting students receive four weeks' elective credit at their home institution. The course is held for three weeks in July each year and is limited to 30 participants.