An elective provides a unique training opportunity to explore the healthcare that is experienced by people in the majority world where income levels are generally much lower. There are many ways that you can use your elective – going to a global centre of excellence or travelling - so why look into doing your elective in a mission context?
Experiencing a different healthcare system first-hand will really stretch you and give you an insight into how medicine operates in another country. Many of the hospitals do not have the same funding that we have here, so access to medicines and equipment can be much more challenging and stretch your skills to adapt with what you have available. It will also give you the experience of another culture and working in a place where there is likely to be a language barrier. These perspectives will give you a better understanding of the patients you see every day.
Medicine in a mission context will give you an idea how medicine and mission can work hand in hand with each other. It will give you a better appreciation of what is involved and the challenges it presents and show you how you can be involved in global health and mission through prayer and action.
There are a range of partners that we can put you in touch with across Africa, Asia and Europe if you would like to arrange your elective on your own. Having a look through the reports from previous electives below can give you a taste of where you may like to go.
Another option is to do your elective through a sending mission agency like AIM, SIM or UFM. We would recommend organising it through a mission organisation as they provide great support before, during and after the elective. If you would like us to put you in touch with one of these organisations to get your logistics sorted, then please drop us a message below.
This trip has truly been one of the highlights of medical school and has encouraged me to seek out other opportunities similar to this in the future. Everyone was so kind, welcoming and caring. It has been such an incredible learning experience and it has been so insightful to see how medicine can look different in other countries.
If you decide to do your elective in a mission context, then you're able to apply for a bursary through MMN towards your travel expenses.
This involves giving a report of your time at the end of your placement reflecting on how God used your time overseas.
For more information on applying for a bursary, please get in touch using the form below.
Getting to know the team better has been a joy. It is a privilege to work with a group of Christians that live lives so obviously shaped by their faith.
Read how Sozos and Des Sozou serve the underprivileged in India through medical care.
A look into the programme available to medical students who want to serve overseas.
Reflections on Grev Parmenter's medical outreach trip to Sierra Leone.
Reaching out to the disabled in Uganda.
CMIAid highlight the opportunities God is opening up to share the gospel in this needy country.
Dr David McAdam relays stories of just a few of the people that have been helped by the ministry of the doctors and nurses at Chitokoloki.
Thank you for getting in touch, we will get back to you as soon as possible.
