ATLAS OfferS a safe and responsible Volunteer & Medical rotation program
Completing an international medical experience is often one of the most influential and positive elements of a practitioner’s career or a medical trainee's educational experience. We hope to open the eyes of health professionals to the world of global health.
We operate a thriving international rotation program, focused mainly on medical student and resident trainees but open to all disciplines and healthcare workers. We aim to connect health workers with our Ugandan colleagues for a safe and supervised global health experience at our partner sites. We've found this to be a mutually beneficial way to spread knowledge, gain experience and improve healthcare practices both locally and abroad.
The Ethics of Working Abroad:
So You Think You Want to Save the World?
We believe that all international rotations should be conducted in a safe and ethical manner that does not place patients at risk, trainees in situations for which they are not trained, or host sites at a disadvantage for having the trainees present. We will work hard during your pre-trip preparation to foster a sense that you will be a guest in another country and that you are present to learn and contribute positively to your host site. Please click here for more information.
If you are considering your first international volunteer or medical rotation experience, click here for a wonderful article about common mistakes we all make and pitfalls we can avoid.
objectives of Our medical rotation program
Increase knowledge of tropical diseases common to equatorial regions, specifically Uganda and East Africa
Increase knowledge of the treatment of common health conditions in low resource settings (LRS)
Foster an understanding of the cost of healthcare and the value of medications, laboratory tests, and personnel in LRS
Learn how to work in a culturally different, multidisciplinary healthcare setting
Learn how to apply experiences in Uganda to practice of medicine in home country
Satisfy requirements from home institutions for an international health elective
Become a global citizen and appreciate the ways healthcare links us all
Dr. Amy, PGY3, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Bududa, Uganda, 2013 (photo credit Georgia Ditzenberger)
LODGING FOR VOLUNTEERS
Our Home Stay: The Zaale Family
Volunteers will have the pleasure of meeting the Zaale's, our host family in the Bududa District. The family provides a "soft landing" to our visitors who can experience the beautiful region with people who know it the best.
The Zaale's founded Pathways Development Initiative (PDI) Uganda, a grass-roots NGO focusing on community development and children's education, and visitors will have many opportunities to see the great work that they do!
Our Hostel: Casa del Turista and Eco Shamba Cafe
ATLAS found a home away from home at Casa Del Turista-Bed & Breakfast. Our volunteers and visitors have been welcomed by the caring and competent team at Casa since 2013, and Naminya Saleh and his colleagues have been a highlight of our visitors' trips again and again.
Congratulations to them for recently having been ranked Trip Advisor's #1 Bed and Breakfast in Mbale!
Getting around
ATLAS volunteers are picked up at the airport by one of our trusted drivers. Once in Mbale town, volunteers will usually get around on foot or by public transport, like one of the matatus pictured here.
Click to enlarge program cost table
Program Costs
ATLAS volunteers will undergo an amazing, life-changing experience that they will carry with with forever. The goal of any international rotation or volunteer trip is to maximize the benefit to the host community and visitor while minimizing the negative impact of a visitor’s presence. ATLAS addresses this goal through program fees; requiring volunteers to conduct a fundraiser for site projects; and expecting volunteers to cover their own travel/lodging/leisure costs. We will transparently itemize all costs for all volunteers prior to their rotation.
VOLUNTEERS Out and About
The Bududa, Manafwa and Mbale districts are some of the most beautiful areas in Uganda. Within easy travel distance are several wonderful excursion options, including hiking, safaris, water sports, and cultural activities. All volunteers with ATLAS are encouraged to make the most of their time in Uganda by experiencing all that the Pearl of Africa has to offer!
Already accepted to the volunteer program?
Interested in an MEDICAL ROTATION with ATLAS?
Contact us, and we'll be happy to discuss more details with you!
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