I just graduated in biology from an American university (I am a US citizen with Indian background a.k.a. ABCD) and have am applying for U.S. med schools for Fall 2005. During this extra year, I've decided to travel to India to get more health care experience. I am going to Hyderabad and was wondering if there is any organization (such as the Red Cross here) where I can join and work in urban clinics/hospitals?? I want to do more than just shadowing--and with just a bachelors in Bio I know that's hard--but was wondering if anybody can help me out???

Thanks!!!!

Hi:

Try to contact the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust(http://www.hihtindia.org/) They are doing some tremendous service--located in a great place--they have a awesome hospital, holistic health center and rural developement institute. You can try and contact the principal or superintendent of the hospital about volunteer opportunities.

Others I can think of are LV Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad if you are interested in opthalmology.

Another great place is:
http://www.aimshospital.org/Pages/VolunteerOpenings.html

Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre
Amrita Lane
Elamakkara Post
Cochin, Kerala 682 026
India
Phone:+91 (0) 484 280 1234, 280 4321
Fax:+91 (0) 484 280 2020
E-mail: aimsinternational@aimshospital.org

In the USA

The AIMS Project
P. O. Box 2640
San Ramon, CA 94583-2640
Phone: (510) 58

I am suggesting HIHT and AIMS because they are service oriented non profit institutes that are devoted to providing compassionate health care.

Good Luck!!! :)