Volunteer Physician Programme Form

Volunteers Form

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    Additional Information

    The programme is designed with the following key objectives to enhance our aero-medical emergency services and foster a global community of medical excellence:

    1. Enhancing Aero-Medical Missions: To inspire and engage physicians in participating in aero-medical emergency missions, offering them the opportunity to contribute directly to life-saving operations aboard the air ambulance flights.
    2. Global Professional Exchange: To offer experienced physicians from across the globe the unique opportunity to join AMREF Flying Doctors in providing premier Air Ambulance services on both local and international levels. This initiative aims to broaden the scope of medical collaboration and enhance the quality of emergency medical care through diverse experiences and expertise.
    3. Knowledge and Skill Exchange: To facilitate a dynamic exchange of knowledge and skills in emergency care practices between volunteer physicians and AMREF medical staff. This objective is central to our commitment of continuous learning and improvement in emergency medical services, ensuring that our team remains at the forefront of medical innovation and excellence.

    AMREF Flying Doctors is committed to upholding the highest standards of medical care and professionalism. Meeting this essential criteria ensures that our Volunteer Physicians are well-equipped to provide exceptional care and support to our patients across Africa during the volunteer period.

    1. Professional Qualification: Applicants must be licensed physicians specialized in Emergency Medicine, Anesthesia, or Intensive Care Medicine, with a minimum of four years of post-qualification professional experience.
    2. Specialized Experience: A requisite of at least 12 months of professional experience in Intensive Care Medicine or Pre-hospital Care is mandatory for all candidates.
    3. Clinical Skills: Proficiency and confidence in performing critical emergency procedures, such as rapid sequence intubation, insertion of chest tubes, and management of mechanically ventilated patients, are essential. Candidates must possess proven competencies in advanced airway management (including intubation and ventilation), resuscitation, and the management of major trauma and serious medical
    4. Language Proficiency: Demonstrated fluency in English is required, with excellence in communication to ensure effective patient care and teamwork.
    5. Teamwork and Leadership: Applicants must have a documented ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and demonstrate leadership capabilities in high-pressure situations.
    6. Insurance Requirement: Candidates are required to have Professional Indemnity Insurance/Medical Malpractice Insurance that is valid in East Africa, providing coverage for the duration of their volunteer assignment.
    7. Health and Safety Compliance: A current Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all volunteers, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

     

    In addition to meeting the essential qualifications, AMREF Flying Doctors seeks medical doctors who exhibit the following desirable attributes to further enhance the effectiveness and scope of our Volunteer Physician Programme:

    1. Current Certifications: It is highly desirable for Volunteer Physicians to possess current certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). These qualifications contribute to a comprehensive skill set in managing critical care situations.
    2. Aero-Medical Transport Experience: We value experience in Aero-Medical Transport, particularly in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), international patient repatriation, or inter-facility transfers via fixed-wing operations. Such experience is beneficial in navigating the unique challenges of aero-medical evacuations.
    3. Language Skills: Proficiency in English is mandatory and knowledge in other languages other than English is welcome. It enhances communication with diverse patient populations and international teams, facilitating more effective care and coordination.
    4. Teaching skills: A proven aptitude for teaching is valuable, enabling the volunteer doctor to impart knowledge and skills to our medical staff and foster an environment of continuous learning and professional development.
    5. Research and Audit Interest: An interest to participate in audit and/or research activities is desirable. Engagement in these areas helps in the evaluation and improvement of clinical practices and patient care standards within our operations.

     

    To facilitate your integration into the Volunteer Physician Programme, you will need to complete an online submission process that includes providing the following documents:

    1. A duly completed application form
    2. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) (in English)
    3. Copies of your academic qualification certificates. (All copies should be certified and translated into English)
    4. A copy of your current practice license
    5. Recent head and shoulder photographs

    AMREF Flying Doctors will assist in coordinating your temporary registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB). Please note that during your tenure with AMREF Flying Doctors, it is not possible to obtain registration or licenses to practice medicine in countries outside of Kenya. This process ensures that all volunteer physicians are duly accredited to deliver care within Kenya, adhering to the local regulatory standards and practices.

    Volunteer Physicians participating in the programme are expected to be financially self-sufficient, bearing the responsibility for all personal expenses during their tenure. This includes costs related to accommodation, meals, and transportation. As an estimate, the minimum average monthly expense is approximately US$1,200.00.

    For those needing to manage or exchange currency, the local currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Up-to-date exchange rates can be found by visiting the Central Bank of Kenya’s official website at www.centralbank.go.ke.

    While engaged in aero-medical evacuation missions, AMREF Flying Doctors provides accident insurance coverage to ensure the safety and well-being of our volunteer physicians. It is mandatory that each volunteer doctor procures an individual medical malpractice policy for the period of volunteer to safeguard against any unforeseen professional liabilities. This proactive measure ensures comprehensive protection and peace of mind while participating in our vital healthcare missions.

    During your engagement with the AMREF Flying Doctors Volunteer Physician Programme, we ensure that your nutritional needs are met to support your health and well-being. Basic provisions will be made available to help you organize yourself accordingly.

    Meals will be catered for during medical evacuation missions. For additional meals, the T-Mall shopping center and Wilson Airport vicinity offer a variety of dining options, including food courts and restaurants that cater to a wide range of culinary preferences.

    Moreover, to maintain hydration and energy levels during longer flights, an assortment of snacks and beverages will be provided to ensure your comfort and readiness while on duty.

    AMREF Flying Doctors is committed to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for our Volunteer Physicians throughout their stay in Kenya. Upon your arrival and departure, we will facilitate transportation services for collection from and drop-off to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), ensuring your transitions are smooth and stress-free.

    Accommodation location has been vetted for carefully selected apartment located in proximity to our operational base, with arrangements made directly by AMREF Flying Doctors for your convenience. In the event that your participation in an aero-medical mission requires an overnight stay away from your primary accommodation, we will ensure that suitable hotel is arranged to accommodate you during the aeromedical mission.

    Our aim is to provide a supportive and comfortable environment, allowing you to focus on the invaluable contributions you will be making to our aero-medical emergency services.

    To ensure you are fully prepared for your tenure with AMREF Flying Doctors, we recommend bringing the following items to enhance your work experience and personal comfort:

    • Medical Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the list of medical equipment used by AMREF Flying Doctors, available on our website under the medical equipment section. Should you prefer using specific medical tools, such as alternative airway rescue devices, we encourage you to bring these items with you.
    • Work Attire: For your daily duties, sturdy shoes and black trousers are required. We will provide you with white uniform shirts to complete your professional attire. Additionally, a head torch can be a valuable tool for your kit.
    • Personal Entertainment: Consider bringing books, an iPod, or other music devices to enjoy during transit periods or while awaiting patient transport.
    • Technology: If possible, bring your laptop, as Wi-Fi access is available both at our office and the accommodation. Your laptop will be useful for accessing and preparing teaching presentations that could benefit our staff. There is also the opportunity to develop training sessions on-site in between flights.

    Camera: A high-quality camera is strongly recommended to capture the unforgettable experiences and landscapes of East Africa. Documenting your journey will allow you to relive the memories of your valuable contribution as a volunteer.

    The commitment period for new Volunteer Physicians at AMREF Flying Doctors is four weeks and returning VPP is a maximum of three months where applicable. This includes allocated days off for personal travel and exploration, ensuring a rewarding experience alongside professional service

    Mastering basic Swahili phrases can significantly enhance your interactions with patients and their families. While online resources are a convenient way to learn, we recommend consulting with our medical staff to ensure accurate pronunciation and usage.
    Operational hours for the AMREF Flying Doctors office are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. However, due to the nature of our services, evacuations may necessitate early departures or late returns. Volunteer Physicians will also be included in the weekend on-call roster, ensuring continuous coverage. To facilitate this, a mobile phone will be provided for communication. Our scheduling allows for a degree of flexibility, affording volunteers ample personal time for exploration and travel in consultation with medical team.
    Upon completion of their service, Volunteer Physicians will receive a ‘Frequent Flyer Certificate’ from AMREF Flying Doctors as a token of our gratitude, along with a letter of confirmation detailing participation in the programme.