Learning Experiences for Medical Students and Residents

The Victoria-Vanuatu Physician Project on Tanna offers a unique opportunity for Medical Students and Residents to train in Tropical Medicine in a third-world facility under the guidance of a Canadian doctor.

Students and Residents who wish to do an elective on Tanna must submit a completed signed application form to the ViVa Doctor who will be teaching them on Tanna, well in advance of the anticipated start date of the elective. The acceptance of the application will be at the discretion of the ViVa doctor and will depend on work load, presence of other Students and Residents, and the timing of the usual physican cross-over period (January-February and July-August). Medical Students and Residents from the UBC Faculty of Medicine are usually given priority for placement.

Medical Students and Residents will be responsible for their own insurance, travel, accomodation, and meals. The ViVa doctor may be able to help them find a place to stay. Trainees must realize that although this can be an excellent learning experience and fulfilling adventure, much depends on their own effort and motivation. They must also be aware that this is a developing country with a different culture and must agree to be sensitive to these differences and accept any risks accociated with them.