Medical Volunteering in Laos

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 spent one month traveling throughout Laos, and I realized that there are tons of medical volunteer opportunities due to having people in remote areas who 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 Laos.

 

If you’re planning a trip to Laos, don’t miss…

• The Best One Week Laos Itinerary
• Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to Laos
• The Best Packing List for Laos
• A Complete Guide to Nong Khiaw, Laos

 

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 Laos

 

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HAVING TRAVEL-MEDICAL INSURANCE WHEN WORKING ABROAD; READ WHY HERE AND HERE

 

1.  Friends Without a Border

LOCATION:  LUANG PRABANG | VOLUNTEER HERE

Friends Without a Border was founded in 1995 when a world-renowned photographer – Kenro Izu – was visiting Angkor Wat to photograph the temples.  It was here that he witnessed a child die because the father could not afford $2 medical care.  Kenro opened Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap and Friends Without a Border has expanded from there.  Friends Without a Border is directly involved in finding sustainable healthcare solutions throughout Southeast Asia; the three core areas they focus on include treatment, education, and prevention.

In 2015, Friends Without a Border built Lao Friends Hospital for Children in Luang Prabang; treating nearly 20,000 children in their first year since opening.  Currently, Lao Friends Hospital for Children has open needs for leadership and management nurses, emergency department nurses, and high acuity nurses; along with radiology, laboratory, allied health, and pharmacy needs.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• RN license
• 2 years of experience
• 2 months minimum
• Cover letter
• 3 past references

 

2.  Global Nomadic

LOCATION:  LUANG PRABANG | 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 Luang Prabang specifically, healthcare volunteers will provide medical support to those who have physical and neurological disabilities.  You will shadow both doctors and nurses, while assisting in medical procedures and collaborating on healthcare education.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• 2 weeks to 6 months
• Financial commitment
• Must be 18 years old
• Necessary vaccinations
• Travel and medical insurance (get here)

 

3.  Health Volunteers Overseas

LOCATION:  LUANG PRABANG | VOLUNTEER HERE

Health Volunteers Overseas was formed in 1986 with a goal to improve quality and access to healthcare through education and resources in resource-scarce countries.  Their guiding mission is that everyone around the world will have access to high-quality healthcare delivered by local health professionals.

Currently, Health Volunteers Overseas is asking for neonatal nurses to volunteer in providing hands-on training to local nurses and help develop a sustainable educational program for nurses.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• 2 months minimum
• Active RN license
• 2 years of neonatal or pediatric experience (preferred)
• Previous international experience (preferred)

 

4.  Nursing Beyond Borders

LOCATION:  LUANG PRABANG | VOLUNTEER HERE

Nursing Without Borders is a 501(c)3 public charity that provides healthcare and education to children and their communities.  There is a high focus on preventing disease with a focus on healthcare initiatives, workshops, and partnering with the local healthcare professionals to build a sustainable model of care.

In Laos, volunteers will be working at Lao Friends Hospital for Children assisting the local staff in clinical learning and professional development.  Nurses will be working 12-hour, rotating shifts, alongside local Lao nurses.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• RN or NP license
• 2-6 months
• Pediatric background
• Financial commitment
• Experience with Excel or Google Sheets

 

Laos Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Laos

 

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

 

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

• Medical Volunteering in the Philippines
• Medical Volunteering in Malaysia
• Medical Volunteering in Indonesia
• Medical Volunteering in Peru
• Medical Volunteering in Vietnam
• Medical Volunteering in Cambodia
• Medical Volunteering in Thailand

 

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