Pre Medical Observership Program – Cusco

The Pre-Medical Observership Program in Cusco, Peru is designed for participants who are not currently enrolled in a medical or nursing degree from a recognized university, but who have some prior knowledge and/or experience in the healthcare sector. Participants with no demonstrable knowledge or background in healthcare cannot be enrolled in the program.

Peru provides free healthcare services to all its citizens through public hospitals and community health centers. In Cusco, these public facilities are essential in delivering care to diverse populations, especially under served rural and low-income communities. Students in this program are placed in public medical centers, where they will observe different departments and specialties, including:

•    General Medicine
•    Dentistry
•    Nursing Services (including vaccination programs)
•    Urgent Care Center
•    Obstetrics
•    Pharmacy

It is important to note that participants will only observe and will not be allowed to perform hands-on medical procedures, ensuring both patient safety and adherence to Peruvian healthcare regulations.

Through this experience, participants gain a deeper understanding of the public healthcare system in a developing country, the role of different healthcare professionals, and the medical challenges faced in the Andean region. They will also be exposed to common conditions such as respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal infections, and altitude-related illnesses.

In addition to hospital and clinic shadowing, participants may also take part in community-based health promotion activities, offering valuable insights into preventive medicine and public health initiatives.

The program further provides opportunities for cross-cultural interaction with Peruvian doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff, helping students enhance both their academic perspective and cultural awareness.

NOTE: Doctors’ schedules vary by day, with availability in morning, afternoon, or evening hours, and interns are expected to adapt to the specialists’ shifts.

Roles & Responsibilities

Pre-medical and Pre-nursing participants in Cusco will receive broad-based rotational exposure across different units in community health centers. Unlike medical or nursing internship participants, they will not be able to choose specific wards prior to arrival. The exact placement may vary depending on availability, but in general, students can expect to rotate across the following departments:

• General Medicine – observe patient consultations, medical histories, and physician-patient interactions.

• Dentistry – shadow dental professionals during check-ups, preventive care, and minor procedures.

• Nursing (including vaccination programs) – observe nursing staff during immunizations, routine check-ups, and patient education.

• Urgent Care Center– observe triage processes, first response protocols, and basic emergency patient management.

• Obstetrics– observe prenatal check-ups, patient counseling, and maternal health programs.

• Pharmacy – learn about medication dispensing, patient guidance, and the role of pharmacies in public healthcare.

Students will only observe and will not perform medical or nursing procedures on patients. This ensures compliance with Peruvian healthcare regulations and guarantees patient safety.
In addition to clinical observations, students may also participate in community-based health promotion activities, including:

• Supporting awareness campaigns on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.

• Shadowing health staff during school or community vaccination drives.

• Observing maternal and child health programs in rural communities.

Requirements & eligibility

To qualify for the program, Pre-Medical and Pre-Nursing students must demonstrate prior knowledge and/or experience in the healthcare sector. Examples include: 

• Degree or diploma in premedical science, biomedical science, health sciences, nursing assistantship, paramedics, physiotherapy, microbiology, public health, or related fields.
•  First Aid, ambulance service, or community health training.

Additional Requirements:

• Minimum age: 18 years.
• Have basic or Intermediate level of Spanish (to communicate with staff and coordinators).
• Open-mindedness, cultural sensitivity, and willingness to adapt to the realities of healthcare in a developing country.