Elective, Internship and Final Year program in Tanzania

The hospital and university offer a well-structured clinical elective and final year rotation program for international students of medicine, nursing and psychology, usually recognized by international medical faculties. Placements are available year-round and can be adapted to different durations, although spaces in each department are limited.

The following specializations are available for Clinical Electives, Internships and Final Year Rotations:

Pediatrics – Head: Dr. R. Kisenge
The pediatrics department has four wards. Wards 1 and 2 treat general pediatric conditions, including infectious diseases, congenital heart conditions, oncology, and hematology (e.g., sickle cell anemia and lymphomas). Ward 3 focuses on diarrheal diseases and malnutrition, while Ward 4 is dedicated to neonatal care, with follow-up outpatient consultations twice a week. The neonatal unit, the only one in Dar-es-Salaam, has 150 beds, while the other wards collectively offer around 200 beds.

Gynecology & Obstetrics – Head: Dr. P. Muganyizi
The gynecology and obstetrics department includes four wards dedicated to general gynecology and obstetrics, primarily managing emergencies. The team includes eight teaching physicians who also supervise final year students. Outpatient consultations take place four times a week, and the department handles numerous births. Weekly, about 400 patients visit the wards.

Internal Medicine – Head: Dr. J. Lutale
The internal medicine department operates three wards, each with separate units for men and women. Each ward has two outpatient clinics and a bed capacity of 26 per unit. Ward 1 focuses on general medicine, respiratory conditions, and dermatology, Ward 2 on neurology and endocrinology, and Ward 3 on cardiology. Specialized consultations occur weekly in areas such as cardiology (25 patients), respiratory care (10 patients), diabetes (50-60 patients), nephrology (25-30 patients), HIV (80 patients), and dermatology (40-60 patients). All other conditions are treated under "General Medical" in Ward 1.

Surgery – Head: Prof. N. Mbembati
The surgery department has five wards: general and gastroenterology, general and cardiothoracic, urology, pediatric surgery, and plastic/reconstructive surgery. A new cardiac surgery unit for open-heart surgeries is under development. Surgeries are performed two to three times a week in most wards, except for urology, which operates daily. Outpatient consultations take place weekly in all wards. Each ward has 25 beds, with occupancy rates often exceeding capacity. Around 60 outpatients are treated daily.

Psychiatry – Head: Dr. K.M. Mrumbi
The psychiatry department employs five teaching psychiatrists who supervise elective students. It includes four units addressing conditions such as depression, mania, and schizophrenia. Each unit is led by specialists in psychiatry, psychology, and social work. The department also has secure facilities and 40-45 gender-segregated beds, with an occupancy rate of 80-100%.

• Read an internship report by Anna.

Dentistry – Head: Dr. E. Mumghamba
The dentistry department has three divisions: oral surgery and pathology, preventive and community dentistry, and restorative dentistry. The oral surgery and pathology division offers specialized knowledge in oral surgery, medicine, and pathology, unique to Muhimbili in Tanzania. Preventive and community dentistry includes pediatric dentistry and community outreach programs, primarily in Morogoro. Participation in these programs requires careful planning for foreign students. Restorative dentistry includes cariology, prosthodontics, dental biomaterials, and periodontology but is less developed compared to European standards.

Nursing School – Head: Dr. K. Malima
The nursing school is divided into clinical nursing, community health nursing, and nursing management, each led by experienced faculty.

Your role as an clinical elective student, interns or final year student

During their elective or internship, students participate in ward rounds, treatments, and surgeries, as well as lectures and seminars alongside Tanzanian students. They are expected to take patient histories, perform examinations, propose treatments, and present their findings during rounds and treatments. Students document their experiences in a logbook, which is reviewed by their supervisor, and must submit a final report at the end of their placement.

How to Apply?

You can either send an inquiry first or book directly if you meet the requirements (Be a student in the fourth year or higher of medical, psychology, or nursing studies). If you meet the formal requirements, you will always be accepted, but the availability of your desired departments must be confirmed by the hospital.

Some documents are required, which you can email to us (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to receive formal acceptance from the hospital:

• Your resume in English
• A letter of recommendation from your college/university/training institution in English
• Certificate of college/university enrolment in English
• A scan of your passport (double page with photo)
• Scan of your student ID card
• The completed application form that we will send you