Be a Volunteer Physiotherapist in Thailand

Volunteer physiotherapist

This voluntary physiotherapy project helps treat patients in a hospital in Surat Thani, Thailand.

The Surat Thani Government Hospital struggles for funding. However, the staff still manage to treat around 1,200 patients from disadvantaged backgrounds each month. The physiotherapy department needs help from experienced volunteers.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer physiotherapists help in Thailand?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can volunteer physiotherapists help in Thailand?

As a volunteer physiotherapist, you can use your knowledge and training to help local staff. You can work on tasks such as:

• Providing treatment for patients requiring physiotherapy, including those suffering from:
  • Fracture of lower extremities.
  • Lumbar syndrome.
  • Cerebrovascular diseases.
  • Respiratory complication.
  • Soft tissue disorder.
• Holding workshops for local physiotherapists. An example might be introducing new techniques for treating neurological conditions.
• Designing a development plan for the local staff.
• Taking part in medical outreach programmes with local towns and villages (optional).
• Organising and run training clinics for Projects Abroad volunteers working with other centres (optional).

You will be working in the Physiotherapy department of the Surath Thani Government Hospital. It offers a variety of specialist treatments for adult patients. The department currently has one doctor, seven physiotherapists, six rehabilitation staff and four physical trainers.

You will be expected to work from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. This project runs all year round. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it.

Please note that this project is only open to volunteers who can commit to at least one month.

What will I gain from this project?

Volunteer physiotherapist

You will gain experience from working in a developing country which suffers from a lack of funding. You will work with local professionals with whom you can share ideas. You will also be able to treat injuries and conditions which are uncommon back in your home country.

You will spend a lot of time with local staff and patients. This will teach you about their culture and way of life. They will all want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this ‘cultural exchange’ and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

We have over 19 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in Thailand is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with a Thai family close to your project.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A member of staff to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as a weekly quiz night.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have at least a Bachelors Degree in Physiotherapy then you are ideally suited to this project.

Please contact us if you think your knowledge may be useful on this project but do not have the required qualifications.