INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ELECTIVE CLERKSHIPS IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Read all the pages of this web document before you apply for an elective clerkship in Johannesburg, South Africa.

• ALL registration fees must be paid on formal / written confirmation of acceptance.  Please ensure that the appropriate fees are sent in South African Rand currency (ZAR) in the exact amount.
• To ensure the deadlines are met and clerkships arranged,  a minimum of 16 weeks is required to complete all the formalities and arrangements before an elective period is due to start.
• Applications for the Trauma Unit at both Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, should be made one year in advance.

AMENDMENTS TO PROGRAMME
No changes will be considered once your elective programme has been confirmed and/or has commenced.

CANCELLATIONS
Under NO circumstance will elective registration fees be refunded. Cancellation after commencement of your elective clerkship will NOT be subject to a refund. The registration fee for the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is NOT refundable.

DRESS CODE

• A white doctor's coat and stethoscope is a standard requirement. Clean white coats to be worn except in certain departments where the Head of Department may waive the requirement. e.g Paediatrics
• Identity name tags to be worn at all times.
• Men to wear smart or casual long pants and a collared shirt (or a cultural equivalent).
• Women to wear dresses, skirts and tops, or long pants and tops (or cultural equivalent).
• Closed shoes must be worn at all times whilst on duty in the hospital. No open shoes and/ or sandals are allowed whilst on duty.
• Appearance must be neat and tidy at all times whilst on duty befitting that of a professional person.
• Students in the Trauma unit are given one complimentary scrub suit. Additional scrub suits will have to be purchased at the student’s own expense.   It is advisable for students in the Trauma Unit to bring along eye goggles for protection.

IMMUNISATION
Compulsory immunisation against Hepatitis, MMR, Measles, Mumps and Rubella is a precondition for admission. BCG- Bacille Calmette Guerin vaccination or PPD - Purified Protein Derrivative inoculation is advised as a precautionary measure in the event of exposure to TB- tuberculosis patients. Malaria prophylaxis is required for students intending to travel to high risk areas such as the Kruger National Park and Mozambique.

INSURANCE
As stipulated by both the department of Home Affairs and the Department of Health, it is COMPULSORY for all visiting International students to have medical coverage for the duration of their stay in South Africa. ALL international students must have Health and Personal Accident insurance including comprehensive hospital coverage for the duration of their stay. This should be arranged by the student. In addition, Professional/Public Liability insurance cover is not available through the University and, if required, should be arranged by the student prior to the start of the clerkship. You will not be permitted to register with this University unless proof of full health insurance coverage is provided.

REMUNERATION
The University and the hospitals do not pay students for the work undertaken during the elective period.

AIDS IN SOUTH AFRICA : HIV INFECTION
Students applying for an elective programme in South Africa are advised to take note of the following:-
It is recommended that prior to your departure for South Africa, you meet for a tutorial with a physician who is experienced in HIV medicine. Topics to be discussed include:

• blood and body fluid precautions
• indications for taking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for an HIV exposure
• the choice of regimen with or without a protease inhibitor
• adverse effects of the PEP regimens
• follow up testing
• other potential blood-borne occupational infections
• a contact person with telephone number from your own university in case of a need for discussion of an exposure and for possible follow-up on return from the elective period.

Elective students working in teaching hospitals are expected to observe the protocols, procedures and guidelines that the Faculty of Health Sciences has agreed upon and which our staff and students observe with regard to HIV testing and safety precautions

Students are to take every reasonable precaution in the wards in the teaching hospitals.

Since students are working under supervision, they should at all times report any problems, and discuss any queries, with their supervisors, registrars or heads of departments.

On registration, the elective student will be given written information on "HIV Exposure Protocol for Students" in the event of a needle-stick injury or mucosal exposure.

Anti-retroviral therapy prophylaxis prescribed and obtainable from both Medical School and/or hospitals:
• AZT 200mg 8 HOURLY FOR 28 DAYS
• 3TC 150mg FOR 28 DAYS