Pediatric Rotation Program FAQ

Where will I be working?

You will be working in established Jamaican Ministry of Health clinics in the North East Region of Jamaica, which is located in the parish of St. Mary. Towns where clinics are held are Port Maria, Port Antonio and Annotto Bay.

What kind of patients will I be seeing?

You will be seeing patients aged birth to 13 years who are referred from the local General Practitioners. Diagnoses will likely include asthma, eczema, HIV, sickle cell disease, malnutrition, as well as some diagnostic dilemmas.

Will I be working with any local pediatricians?

Yes, you will be working with the 2 pediatricians in the region- Dr Iyer Ramos and Dr Melissa Fisher. They will either be in clinic seeing patients alongside you, or will be immediately available by phone. You will also be working directly with the local General Practitioners who may consult with you on their patients.

How many patients will I see per day?

We anticipate that your schedule will be the same as the local pediatricians, who see 15 referred patients per day.

How many days will I work per week?

Monday- Friday 0800-1700, depending on travel time to the clinic of the day.

How will I get to the clinic?

The Ministry of Public Health has a car and driver that will pick you up at the resort and take you to and from the clinic.

What qualifications are accepted to work in the clinic?

Our goal is to have a 3rd year pediatric or med-peds resident and a pediatric faculty level physician working there each month of the year. We will evaluate other practitioners such as nurse practitioners or other Licensed Independent Practitioners on an individual basis. We cannot take any medical students or non- licensed practitioners at this time.

What do I need to do to get licensed?

The Ministry of Health in Jamaica requires your current license as well as a few other forms and a letter of recommendation. We will cover the cost of the license and assist you with the required paperwork.

What costs am I responsible for?

You are responsible for the cost of your flight to Montego Bay, Sangster Airport (a requirement) as well as the cost of travel insurance (medical evacuation coverage), lunch costs and laundry service (available at the resort)

Will I be on call, or working on the weekends?

No

Will I do any hospital work?

We asking that our doctors round on the pediatric inpatients in the hospitals adjacent to the clinic of the day with the General Practitioners to provide some assistance in their management or diagnosis as needed. You will not be responsible for admitting patients yourself.

What do I need to bring with me?

Packing List of Ideas
  • Providers should bring an oto- ophthalmoscope if you have one
  • Stethoscope
  • Headband/bandana
  • Name badge
  • Driver’s License
  • Calculator
  • The roads can be VERY winding and bumpy so “please” bring non drowsy Dramamine
  • Individual powder packets of Crystal Light or Power drink to add to your bottled water –which I personally do!!
  • Some plastic bags for your lunch
  • Sunscreen
  • Small bottle of laundry detergent in case you want to wash out any items
  • Camera/ Waterproof camera
  • Copy of passport and itinerary
  • List of emergency contacts
  • Watch
  • Alarm clock
  • Medications on carry on
  • Light rain jacket with hood
  • Sandals with covered toes or crocs
  • Add an international calling plan to your cell phone if applicable
  • Mosquito repellent

Should I collect some medications to bring with me?

While donations are appreciated, it is a complicated process to import them. To better serve the medical system in Jamaica, we are working with the Ministry of Health to be able to write prescriptions that can be filled at the local pharmacies. Jamaica has Universal Healthcare, but the system needs to be aware of what the people need- it is very difficult to track medications donated and handed out. We will provide a listing of medications available and details on prescribing.

What kind of diagnostic equipment is available?

That depends on the clinic we are working in and whether or not the equipment is functional. We will provide a listing of what testing is available at each site, but typically basic lab tests and plain film x rays are available close by.

What about subspecialists?

There are a few in Jamaica, but not all are represented. The closest Children’s Hospital is Bustamante Children’s hospital in Kingston.

What equipment will be provided for me to use?

A local cell phone, a laptop and internet hook up at each of the clinic sites and the resort.

Is there any back up resources?

You will have access to the Hardin Library of Medical Sciences which has a very extensive collection of journals and access to most medical search engines. If there are medical questions that the local physicians cannot answer, Dr McConkey will be available and will assist in finding answers to questions.

Will there be opportunities to provide education?

Yes- we are working on establishing training for the AAP’s Helping Babies Breath program as well as any education we can provide at the request of the local practitioners.

How is documentation completed in Jamaica?

We will be documenting in their medical record, which is paper forms

How long is the rotation?

We request that you be present for 4 weeks. It takes about a week to familiarize yourself with the medical system.

Where will we be staying?

You will be staying at the Couples Resort, Couples Tower Isle (www.couples.com) all inclusive resort. You will be staying in an air conditioned Villa. The Villa consists of a building with two separate bedrooms (separate entrances), and two separate bathrooms. You will share the kitchen and living room (flat screen TV provided) area if there is an additional pediatric doctor working. Each bedroom has a TV! We try to schedule two pediatric doctors per month for 30 days. We may only have one working per month. There is also wifi provided in the Villa.

Can my spouse or children come with me?

Couples Tower Isle resort is an Adult only resort, no children allowed. If you want to bring a spouse or significant other, you will need to notify Diane Pollard, in advance since the resort does require manifest information. Diane will follow up with required information and payment. THE COST WILL BE $200.00 PER DAY FOR YOUR GUEST.

Are there goals and objectives for this as an international elective?

Yes, Dr McConkey has a set of Goals and Objectives in Competency based language available to customize for your residency program.

Will I be paid?

No this is a volunteer rotation.