Medical Volunteering in the Philippines

I first dipped my toes into volunteering in 2017 when I took a position as a nurse in Skopje, North Macedonia with Project Hope.  (You can read about that here!).  While this has been my only experience with volunteering, I want to highlight other volunteer opportunities for nurses and medical professionals around the world.

I recently spent six weeks traveling through the Philippines and I realized that there are tons of medical volunteer opportunities in the country.  Because the Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands (meaning the country is spread out throughout the ocean), a lot of people struggle to access basic medical care.  So, if you’re a nurse or medical professional reading this – take this as an opportunity to spend time volunteering in the country and then extending your stay so that you can experience the beauty of the Philippines.

 

If you’re planning on visiting the Philippines, don’t miss…

• Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to the Philippines
• The Best Packing List for the Philippines
• 2 Day Bantayan Island Itinerary
• Cebu to Malapascua Island – The Ultimate Guide
• The Ultimate El Nido Travel Guide
• The Best Things to Do in Panglao, Philippines

 

Please note:  I’ve done my best to research and vet these companies.  Please be aware of scams when inquiring about volunteer positions.  Also, I do note condone certain types of volunteer work that hinders the community instead of helping the community.  I have strictly included these companies in this post because they are reputable companies and have an aspect of medical need.

 

Organizations to Volunteer with in the Philippines

 

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL-MEDICAL INSURANCE WHEN TRAVELING ABROAD!  READ WHY HERE AND HERE

 

1.  Doctors Without Borders

LOCATION:  MANILA

Doctors Without Borders is a well-known NGO throughout the world that provides relief to communities in need.  Since 2021, Doctors Without Borders has been working in Manila – the capital of the Philippines – to screen and help prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB).  Currently, the Philippines has the fourth highest rate of TB in the world.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum availability of 9 months (8-12 weeks for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OBGYN’s)
• Previous experience working in a low income setting
• 3 years of experience for nurses (2 years for doctors)
• Experience in a leadership role
• Ability to work and live with a diverse team

 

2.  Global Nomadic

LOCATION:  PALAWAN | VOLUNTEER HERE

Global Nomadic was founded in 2009 with the goal of getting people to travel more, while also positively impacting local communities.  The founder believes that real change happens when people find purpose in life-enhancing opportunities, and focuses on investing in the future to sustain a positive world.

In Palawan, volunteers will provide medical assistance along with educating locals on first aid and personal hygiene.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 2 week requirement
• Financial commitment
• Must be 18 years old
• Police background check
• Necessary vaccinations
• Travel and medical insurance (get here)

 

2.  International Medical Relief

VOLUNTEER HERE

International Medical Relief is a 501(c)3 non-profit that was founded in 2002 with the belief that healthcare should be accessible to everyone throughout the world.  Not only does International Medical Relief volunteer with local dentists and doctors within communities, but they also focus on providing education so that missions can be a success long after volunteers are gone.

International Medical Relief began volunteering in the Philippines in order to create access to healthcare for those living on remote islands and in remote villages.  When you volunteer in the Philippines, you will be traveling to some of the most remote places to treat local residents.

Please note:  You do have to pay to volunteer with this program.

 

3.  Operation Smile

LOCATION:  CEBU CITY | VOLUNTEER HERE

Operation Smile first began providing care in the Philippines in 1982.  They provide surgery for children who are born with cleft lip/cleft palate in areas that don’t have easy access to healthcare.  They rely on nursing the following nursing specialties to continue their operations:  pre-post operative, surgical circulating nurse, PACU, PICU, NICU, operating room nurse.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Graduate of a nursing program, college, or university
• Have a valid RN license
• BLS certification
• PALS certification
• 2 years of experience in current specialty
• Background check

 

4.  United Planet

LOCATION:  THROUGHOUT PHILIPPINES | VOLUNTEER HERE

United Planet is a non-profit organization and is the US and Canadian partner of the International Cultural Youth Exchange.  The program in the Philippines was developed in an effort to help with daily medical tasks such as patient consultations, minor procedures, and community health education.  As of 2024, there are mid-term needs (4-16 weeks), long-term needs (6-12 months), and virtual volunteer needs (1-6 months).

Please note:  United Planet does require a payment to volunteer, which may not be the case for other programs listed above.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• 18-30 years old (upper limit flexible)
• Citizen of the US or Canada
• $300 non-refundable deposit to volunteer (this will be applied to your program once you join)
• Provide proof of medical school or medical practice

 

5.  Volunteering Solutions

LOCATION:  TACLOBAN, LEYTE | VOLUNTEER HERE

Volunteering Solutions was founded in 2006 and has since connected over 21,000 volunteers to projects worldwide.  The company operates in over 25 countries, and offers 150+ programs in areas like childcare, healthcare, and conservation.  As a healthcare volunteer in Tacloban, you will be working in rural areas, serving the underserved communities.  Responsibilities include assisting the local doctor with their daily consults, helping with government initiatives such as vaccinations, deworming, or conducting workshops.  You might also be helping with annual child check-ups.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Year-round
• 4-24 week duration
• 18+ years old

 

General Requirements for Volunteering in the Philippines

Below you’ll find general requirements for volunteering in the Philippines.  Know that depending on what organization you volunteer for, they may have additional requirements.

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must receive medical clearance
• Must have a visa if staying for >30 days

 

Philippines Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting the Philippines

 

If you feel called to work as a medical volunteer, the Philippines is an incredible country to do so.  If you have any questions about traveling through the Philippines or what to expect, let me know in a comment below!

 

For volunteer opportunities in other countries, don’t miss…

• Medical Volunteering in Malaysia
• Medical Volunteering in Indonesia
• Medical Volunteering in Peru
• Medical Volunteering in Vietnam
• Medical Volunteering in Cambodia
• Medical Volunteering in Thailand
• Medical Volunteering in Laos

 

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