STUDENTS
We welcome both local and international medical and allied health students who are keen to do their electives in a rural setting. We prefer students who are in their fourth or fifth year of study (undergraduates) – with some exposure to clinical medicine and basic patient examination skills. Overseas students need to come for a minimum of 6 weeks. (Unfortunately we don't make exceptions to this and won't be able to reply to requests for shorter stays.) We prefer South African students to come for at least 4 weeks, but realise that some universities still only have a 2 week elective.
Although we are a small hospital we offer a good hands-on experience that will help you gain practical skills as well as practice managing conditions commonly associated with poor communities. We are keen to share our passion for rural health with students already keen on rural health themselves as well as with those who just want to see the “other” side of medicine. (One of our students from back in 2011 allowed us to post his elective report here. It gives you a very good idea of everyday life at the hospital and what you can expect during your student elective. Please note that the opinions expressed in it are the author's alone.)
Please read the information sheet entitled Booking and Planning Your Elective for more information. We have also included our Student Handbook with more information about your time at the hospital, which you are welcome to download. As some university servers in particular block email from Gmail accounts please make sure that our email address is marked as accepted in your message rules.
Although we are a small hospital we offer a good hands-on experience that will help you gain practical skills as well as practice managing conditions commonly associated with poor communities. We are keen to share our passion for rural health with students already keen on rural health themselves as well as with those who just want to see the “other” side of medicine. (One of our students from back in 2011 allowed us to post his elective report here. It gives you a very good idea of everyday life at the hospital and what you can expect during your student elective. Please note that the opinions expressed in it are the author's alone.)
Please read the information sheet entitled Booking and Planning Your Elective for more information. We have also included our Student Handbook with more information about your time at the hospital, which you are welcome to download. As some university servers in particular block email from Gmail accounts please make sure that our email address is marked as accepted in your message rules.
Bookings availability update
Please note our email for elective bookings: students AT zithulele.org
Bookings for 2020 are filling up fast! But there's still space, although some slots for overseas students are already full.
When contacting us about an elective, please state the number of students who want to come in your first email - we often find "1" becoming 2 or 3 or even 4 which makes planning impossible!
Please also note the elective cost and details about the accommodation in "Booking and Planning your elective," including the deposit amount and that you need to provide your own bedding.
Bookings for 2020 are filling up fast! But there's still space, although some slots for overseas students are already full.
When contacting us about an elective, please state the number of students who want to come in your first email - we often find "1" becoming 2 or 3 or even 4 which makes planning impossible!
Please also note the elective cost and details about the accommodation in "Booking and Planning your elective," including the deposit amount and that you need to provide your own bedding.
![]()
|
![]()
|

shane_smith_-_final_elective_report.pdf | |
File Size: | 289 kb |
File Type: |
Disclaimer This website is not an official government one. Although we believe it to accurately reflect the activities of the hospital and the individuals profiled have all given their consent, the opinions expressed herein are those of the website authors and not the official hospital standpoint. The site is funded with private money.