Experience global health through a unique four-week clinical rotation on the beautiful island of Bohol, Philippines. This immersive international elective offers third- and fourth-year medical students the opportunity to provide meaningful patient care while learning about medicine in a resource-limited environment alongside Filipino physicians and healthcare professionals.

Throughout the month, students will rotate through a variety of clinical settings, including regional and community hospitals, Rural Health Units (RHUs), and outreach clinics serving underserved populations. Participants will also travel by boat to several small islands off the coast of Bohol, where they will assist in delivering medical care to communities with limited access to healthcare services.

Clinical experiences may include outpatient primary care, inpatient medicine, emergency care, preventive health, maternal and child health, chronic disease management, and community health initiatives. Students will gain valuable insight into tropical medicine, public health, cross-cultural communication, and the challenges and rewards of practicing medicine in low-resource settings. Faculty mentors and local physicians will provide supervision, teaching, and guidance throughout the rotation.

In addition to the clinical experience, participants will have opportunities to learn about Filipino culture, healthcare delivery systems, and the social determinants of health that influence patient outcomes. The program emphasizes cultural humility, ethical global health engagement, teamwork, and service.

​

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an accredited medical school.

• Be in the third or fourth year of medical school.

• Be in good academic and professional standing.

• Meet all institutional and travel requirements prior to departure.

This rotation is designed for students with a genuine interest in global health, primary care, community medicine, and serving underserved populations. It provides an exceptional opportunity to develop clinical skills, broaden cultural perspectives, and make a meaningful impact while working alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in one of the Philippines' most welcoming regions.

We invite motivated medical students to join HAND-PHILIPPINES for an unforgettable educational experience that combines clinical excellence, service, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

​

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Dr. Thomas Shima at tridoc98@gmail.com or Andy Dolley at info@hand-philippines.org