The Maldives is an Islamic republic which lies off the Indian sub-continent.

It is made up of a chain of nearly 1,200 islands, Mal being its capital.

The Maldives consists of 19 health posts, 13 atoll hospitals and 116 health centers. ..

Two highly motivated biology students decided to join this health system for one week of an ineffable experience !

A seven day intensive medical internship in Maldives in which we volunteered at a local health center in Male, capital of Maldives. Our goals: 1.Learn basic health care procedures. 2. Work with other professional medical staff. 3. Learn empathetic doctor skills such as bedside manner. 4. Work in a new diverse culture, being exposed to a different environment. 5. Learn about new governmental medical care systems.

1. Increase my awareness of my own strengths and areas of growth.

2. Undertake new challenges. 3. Plan and initiate activities. 4. Work collaboratively with others. 5. Show perseverance and commitment in this activity 6. Engage with issues of global importance. 7. Consider the ethical implications of my actions. 8. Develop new skills.

We arrived on the 17th of July, welcomed by the Maldivian Ministry of Health. excited to start work the next day

 Met the head of the health center

Tour of Male Health center Meeting the staff

Introduction to our internship program

Dinner at the bosses house !

 Began administration and office work some of what

we learnt: i. Dealt with patients files ii. Monthly vaccine reports iii. Budgets for official governmental bodies iv. Roles of staff v. Website planning vi. Introduction the daily work routine
Dealt with appointments of patients

 Assisted doctors

Learned the true meaning of bed-side manner, that

no textbook could teach us Organizing patients Dealing with medications

 Growth monitoring: i. Weight and Height ii. Childs development iii. Toddler's Head size iv. Interactivity test Family planning: i. Learnt how to evaluate patients family life and advise

ii.

them on future plans for number of children, pregnancy dates Blood testing for couples to reduce the risk of Thalassemia

Note: Minimum photos were taken for privacy of patients.

 i.

Childrens vaccinations (Age: 4+) Learned the uses of the most common vaccinations given to children in the Maldivian community BCG Hepatitis B DPT Measelean MMR Vitamins Adult vaccinations Dealt with recommended vaccinations for adults in the Maldivian community, especially for those looking to travel Meningitis Cholera Yellow fever Influenza Polio

i.

 Introduction of Maldives' health system

Economic benefits of the health center

Health care challenges due to geographical,

economical , transportation problems and lack of resources and manpower In-class medical training

 An overall view of the medical system and how it is

connected How to use our medical knowledge for future purposes Received our internship certificate Had a little leaving party