Medical and Nursing Elective in Tanzania – Arusha

Interning in the Medical and Nursing Elective in Tanzania – Arusha is a great opportunity for all pre-med, medical, and nursing students to learn about the healthcare systems in Tanzania and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of local communities.

Placements are provided in hospitals located in and around the city of Arusha. This program is particularly suited for those interns looking for international hands-on experience and overseas medical exposure. Medical professionals are also welcome to be part of this project and contribute as much as they can. Work will vary depending on the experiences and skills of individual interns.

Med Trips’ medical elective provides an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking to enhance their careers through a meaningful internship experience. Participants will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, including emergency medicine, pediatrics, and general medicine, allowing them to gain diverse exposure that deepens their medical knowledge and hones their practical skills.

Throughout the elective, students collaborate closely with experienced healthcare professionals, participating in daily routines and gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and rewards of working in a medical setting. This hands-on experience is invaluable for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in healthcare.

We also arrange Dentistry Elective placements in Tanzania. Dentistry interns work in the dental department of hospital placements in Arusha. The placements are suitable for dental students looking to do a Dental Elective Program in Africa and gain valuable knowledge and experience by working under the supervision of dentists and dental assistants.

The local team in Arusha also organizes community outreach events in local communities, providing healthcare services to those who lack access to proper medical assistance. Most of these outreach events are conducted in village communities when there are a sufficient number of medical interns in the program. A minimum number of participants is required to carry out community outreach activities.

In addition to professional growth opportunities, participants will also have the chance to explore one of the world’s most captivating countries. From breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage to vibrant communities, this program offers a unique blend of personal enrichment and professional development.

Sample Placement Profile – St. Elizabeth Hospital, Arusha

St. Elizabeth Hospital, commonly referred to as “Kwa Father Babu” in Arusha, is situated in the Ngarenaro suburb. As a Council Designated Hospital, St. Elizabeth serves as a referral center for local dispensaries and health centers within the Arusha municipality. Other hospitals also direct patients to St. Elizabeth for specialized services that they may not provide.

St. Elizabeth is one of the three largest hospitals in Arusha, offering both inpatient and outpatient services.

Departments at St. Elizabeth Hospital

• Outpatient and Emergency Medicine

• Internal Medicine Ward

• Surgical Ward

• Ophthalmology

• Pediatrics and Neonatology

• Intensive Care Unit

• Pharmacy

• Radiology Department

• Theatre

• Dental

• Physiotherapy

• Laboratory

• Obstetrics and Gynecology

Interns will work alongside hospital staff, assisting during ward rounds and in the theater, and shadowing nurses and doctors in various clinics. Depending on your goals, you can rotate through different departments and clinics. Each participant is paired with an experienced supervisor who can provide guidance. Being part of the healthcare network in Arusha allows us to connect you with knowledgeable mentors in your field of interest.

Please note that this is a sample placement, and interns may be placed in other hospitals as well in Arusha. Our interns work in multiple hospital placements in and around the city.

Intern Roles & Responsibilities

Depending on your knowledge, experience, and academic background, you may be involved in the following tasks during your placement:

• Shadow and observe doctors, nurses, and other medical staff in your assigned department.
• For advanced students: assist with tasks such as wound dressing, taking vitals, or supporting minor procedures (e.g., suturing, vaccinations) — depending on your skills and supervisor approval.
• Assist patients with non-clinical needs, such as moving between wards or service points.
• Support any medical outreach events organized by the local team in surrounding communities.

As a medical intern in Tanzania, you’ll work closely with experienced healthcare professionals in hospital placements.

If you are a pre-med, pre-nursing, or junior medical student, your role will primarily be observational, giving you the chance to learn directly from the experts.

If you are a senior medical, nursing, or healthcare student, you may be allowed more hands-on involvement, depending on your experience and the guidance of local doctors and nurses.Please note that hands on involvement is not guaranteed and it depends on your skill, confidence level as well as consent of the supervisor and patient.

During your internship, you’ll likely encounter a range of cases not commonly seen back home, including tropical and infectious diseases such as malaria, as well as accident-related injuries (particularly common in Arusha).

Overall, this internship is primarily an educational experience, offering deep insights into the healthcare system of Tanzania. You’ll learn about the challenges of providing care in resource-limited settings, observe differences in medical practices, and gain exposure to regional health issues and how they are managed.

Requirements & eligibility

Interns must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the placement. Participants should have an open mind, flexible attitude, and enthusiasm for working in a new environment. A clean criminal background check, CV/resume, passport copy, and relevant academic documents/credentials must be provided prior to joining.Eligible participants include pre-med, medical, nursing, midwifery, dental students, and CNAs. All interns are required to bring their own scrubs or lab coats to wear during their placement.