Healthcare Volunteering in Ecuador

Medical volunteers work at either larger urban hospitals in Quito or in small rural clinics throughout the country.

At one of the major hospitals in Quito, the daily pace of work is very busy. The emergency room is often over overflowing, and the maternity is the busiest ward in the hospital, accounting for about 30% of patients (teenage pregnancy is very high in Ecuador).

Photos of the hospital in Quito: 1, 2

In rural settings, particularly in coastal towns such as Puerto Lopez (approximately 10 hours from Quito), there are many smaller clinics in need of help. Many of these clinics lack basic medications and are understaffed, yet overcrowded with patients in need.

Photos of the rural medical clinic: 1, 2, 3, 4

Program Details
Locations	Quito, coastal towns, Amazon jungle clinics, Andes mountain clinics, and other towns throughout Ecuador
Minimum Length	2 Weeks
Maximum Length	6 Months
Program Dates	Available year-round. Start & End Dates flexible.
Requirements	Intermediate Spanish. Volunteers must be studying or practicing in the healthcare field, as doctors, nurses, EMT's, and medical and nursing students with clinical experience. We do not accept pre-med students into the program.
Schedule	Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm
Accommodations	Host Family
Meals	Host Family