The UMSB was established in 2012 to serve as the overarching university for existing institutions engaged in medical and health care education and training programs in Bhutan. The UMSB seeks to develop human resources for health to provide sustained quality and patient-centered care through innovative, learner-centered, integrated and humanistic training curricula and research activities. They recently implemented four-year residency training programs in gynecology/obstetrics, pediatrics, general medicine practice, ophthalmology, general surgery and anesthesiology, as well as a Bachelor of Science in nurse anesthesia. In addition to classroom work at the UMSB, students train at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu.

HVO is assisting the UMSB in providing highly qualified personnel to train local residents and nurse anesthesia students. Confirmed volunteers will receive a copy of a curriculum that corresponds to their professional field; on-site staff will coordinate lesson topics. Residency programs include regular evaluations and formal examinations to ensure that candidates obtain the knowledge, skills, and experience required for provision of the subject matter. Patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning, interpersonal skills, professionalism, and system-based practice are the areas emphasized within each residency curriculum. The Bachelor of Science in nurse anesthesia is a two-year program that utilizes lectures, workshops, simulations, and practicum to attain the objectives of the program. Assignments are a minimum of three months.

HVO will recruit fully trained, licensed and credentialed health care providers, preferably with academic teaching experience.  Volunteers who have extensive professional experience within their specialty area, but who are now retired and no longer hold a current license may serve in a didactic educational role. HVO needs volunteers in each of the residency training program specialties, as well as anesthesia and nurse anesthesia volunteers to teach and train students pursuing their Bachelor of Science in nurse anesthesia.

Health Volunteers Overseas is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve global health through education of the local health workforce in resource-scarce countries. HVO volunteers build local capacity by providing health care professionals in resource-scarce countries with the knowledge, skills and professional development opportunities they need to address the health care needs of their communities. HVO volunteers are trained health care professionals - physicians, nurses, dentists, physical therapists and others - willing to donate their time and expertise to work side-by-side with their colleagues overseas. Since 1986, HVO staff and volunteers have collaborated with a variety of health institutions to design, develop and implement each HVO project, working toward better patient care around the globe in trauma care, child and maternal health, essential surgery, cancer care, rehabilitation, and more. Visit www.hvousa.org to learn how you can become part of our global health community.

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