r/doctorswithoutborders • u/backt2mars • 14d ago
Looking for a bit of advice!
I am still a teen and I want to join MSF and be able to help people as it's always been a dream of mine. I suppose Im just looking for any advice and a few answers! I've had a bit of experience volunteering in a hospital and I am B2 certified for french. I'll hopefully be majoring in midwifery or nursing. I just have a few questions:
- How competitive it is to actually join?
- How long are you "out" (? sorry I'm unsure of the proper wording) for?
- Whats it like working for MSF?
- Is there anything I can do for the next few years to really maximize my chances?
Anything helps, thanks! ☺️
3
u/ThrillRoyal 13d ago
Apart from what U/TropDoc already mentioned: gain experience in resource-constrained settings as well as outside your home culture. Depending on where you live, that could be close to home (e.g. in indigenous communities if you live in Australia) or you might need to go further afield.
1
8
u/TropDoc 14d ago
I’m certain you will achieve your dreams with your planning :—)
1. It is competitive but I made it so hardly impossible
2. First mission is usually 6 months but shorter for surgeons and other subspecialists
3. It’s great — most interesting people I’ve ever worked alongside and the work can be very exciting
4. Get to a strong conversational level in French — it will improve your chances considerably
Best of luck!