Beth's Medical Elective - Philippines March 2025

Hello! My name is Beth and I am a final year medical student at the University of Warwick. My time at university is almost over and I will begin work as an NHS foundation doctor in August 2025, exam results pending! I hope to one day undertake speciality training as an obstetrician and gynaecologist.

In March 2025, I will be travelling to Iloilo in the Philippines to complete my medical elective!

During my placement, I will be working in the obstetrics and gynaecology department of a local hospital. This will be a valuable experience where I can learn from experienced healthcare professionals and assist in providing care to women during pregnancy and birth.

In addition to my hospital work, I will also spend a week in a remote village on the island of Panay, assisting with much-needed healthcare services for the Ati tribe. This community faces numerous health challenges, and my goal is to help make a positive impact by providing essential medical care and health education.

Maternal healthcare in the Philippines has significant barriers. The maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines is 78 per 100,000 live births, which is much higher compared to the UK maternal mortality ratio, which stands at 13 per 100,000 live births. Many women, especially in rural and underserved areas, lack access to essential maternal health services. Complications during pregnancy and childbirth are a leading cause of death and disability among women of reproductive age in the Philippines.

By supporting my elective, you are not just helping me gain clinical experience; you are also contributing to the improvement of maternal healthcare in a region that desperately needs it. Your donations will help cover my travel expenses, accommodation, medical supplies, vaccinations, medical indemnity and more.

I am deeply passionate about improving maternal health and believe that this elective is a crucial step in my journey of becoming a compassionate and skilled doctor (not long to go!)

No donation is too small, and every contribution brings me one step closer to achieving this goal. Thank you for considering supporting my medical elective.

Please get in touch if you would like to hear any further information!

Stay tuned for updates about my upcoming fundraising events!