PHYSICAL THERAPY
Thimphu, Bhutan – National Referral Hospital
Volunteers facilitate the training of physical therapy technician students, provide continuing education and consultant services to the physical therapy technicians, assist with the development of pediatric PT support services and the manufacturing of simple orthotics and adaptive equipment, and provide teacher mentoring and training so that the local staff will take over more of the teaching duties. Volunteers must be licensed to practice physical therapy in the US or Canada and have more than five years of work experience. Volunteers must have teaching/training experience and a strong desire to teach. There may be opportunities for OTs specialized in hand therapy or pediatrics. Assignments are 4 months.
Deschapelles, Haiti - Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS)
HVO is partnering with HAS and the Friends of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Haiti (FHASH) - through the implementation of a Rehabilitation Technician Training Program (RTTP). Volunteers provide didactic and clinical instruction in rehabilitative care to approximately 4-6 rehabilitation technician students per class in a 9 month curriculum, January through September. Volunteers are needed for teaching from January through July and for clinical education and supervision in August and September. Additionally, volunteers might participate in hospital staff presentations and continuing education for previous graduates of the RTTP. This site is appropriate for occupational therapists. Volunteers are required to have a minimum of 3 years clinical experience as well as previous international experience. Assignments are 2 - 4 weeks or more.
Vellore, India - Christian Medical College (CMC)
Volunteers provide continuing education for physiotherapy staff, students, and faculty through classroom instruction and clinical training. Volunteers work to improve the quality of physical therapy services to patients in the CMC system through updating and broadening therapists' knowledge of physical therapy theory and procedure in the areas such as manual therapy, sports medicine, and treatment of spinal musculoskeletal dysfunction. Volunteers must hold a current license to practice physical therapy and have at least 2 years of clinical experience. Prior teaching/training experience is preferred. Assignments are a minimum of 2 weeks.
Lima, Peru - EsSalud Hospital System
Volunteers provide lectures, presentations, and hands-on instruction to physical therapists. Volunteers focus on updating and broadening therapists' knowledge of physical therapy theory in any area of physical therapy practice, such as manual therapy, adult or pediatric rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory care, or amputee rehabilitation. Volunteers must be fully licensed physical therapists or occupational therapists with a minimum of 3 years of clinical experience. Volunteers are sought who have advanced knowledge and expertise in any area of physical therapy practice. Preference is given to clinical instructors or individuals with classroom teaching experience. Assignments are 2 - 4 weeks.
Paramaribo, Suriname - Medical Sciences of Anton de Kom University of Suriname
Volunteers assist and provide training for the faculty in curriculum development; assist with professional development of future faculty members or clinical instructors; provide continuing education to faculty; and assist faculty members in teaching physical therapy students. Volunteers may be active or retired with a license to practice physical therapy and have at least 2 years of professional experience. A master's degree or higher education, and academic or continuing education teaching experience are required. Assignments are 2 - 4 weeks.
Da Nang, Vietnam – Da Nang Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital
Volunteers provide clinical education to physical therapists and physical therapy students in various areas as well as focus on increasing the physical therapy staff's capabilities in problem solving and taking on the role of teachers. The hospital provides in-patient and out-patient care for children and adults. Fully licensed PTs with at least 2 years of experience are sought. Assignments are 2 - 4 weeks.
To learn more about these programs, contact the HVO office and speak to a recruiter or fill out a Contact Us form. Copies of the complete program description are available on the HVO KnowNET. To find further information on volunteering with HVO visit the Volunteer Toolkit.