Examining the experiences of doctors as volunteers in Uganda and the potential tensions that arise when
attempting to create ‘sustainable’ change through voluntary placements

Tate, N

Abstract

International professional medical volunteering of qualified doctors has grown in recent decades. It is claimed that this activity has the potential to both benefit and harm volunteers as well as the countries which host them. This research focuses on the subjective experiences of British medical volunteers in Uganda, and aims to investigate the relationship between the career goals and objectives of volunteer doctors as well as their sending organisations. Potential tensions which arise between fulfilling these objectives and the interests of the host country - in this case Uganda – are also explored.
The study was conducted using qualitative approaches to gather data and a thematic analysis was used to draw out the themes identified within the data. The author’s position provided a unique approach to the methodological approach which was influenced by ethnography.
The results of the study provide a more in depth understanding of volunteer experiences and illuminate professional and personal skills gains, as well as five key themes relating to tensions and ethical issues encountered during a voluntary experience in Uganda.

Citation

attempting to create ‘sustainable’ change through voluntary placements. (Dissertation). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Dissertation
• Acceptance Date: Dec 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Feb 22, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 22, 2016