Medical Elective in Nepal

Experience Medicine in the Heart of the Himalayas

ImpactTrek offers an immersive 4-week medical elective program in Nepal, designed for medical students from the UK seeking hands-on clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings.

This unique program provides an opportunity to learn from experienced local doctors while exploring Nepal’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Program Overview at a Glance

LocationKathmandu & Rural Nepal
Duration4 Weeks
Program Fee£1,080 – covers accommodation, placement coordination & support
Cultural immersionEngage with local communities and healthcare systems
Optional TrekkingExtend your stay with a guided trek of your choice — available as an add-on

Week 1-2 : Clinical Placement in Kathmandu

Begin your elective in Nepal’s vibrant capital, Kathmandu, where you will be based in a well-established hospital or clinic. This phase allows you to:

✅ Work alongside experienced Nepali doctors and healthcare professionals.
✅ Gain exposure to diseases and treatments common in South Asia.
✅ Participate in ward rounds, outpatient clinics, and emergency care.
✅ Understand the challenges of Nepal’s healthcare system.


Week 3-4 : Rural Medical Placement

Leave the city behind and travel to a rural healthcare centre, where you will:

✅ Work in community clinics serving remote populations.
✅ Assist in public health outreach and mobile medical camps.
✅ Learn about low resource medicine.
✅ Witness firsthand the impact of limited medical resources.


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Eligibility & Application Guide

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the ImpactTrek Medical Elective Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Medical Student Status : You must be a medical student enrolled at a UK university, currently in your final or penultimate year of study.

2. Elective Placement Requirement : The elective must be a formal requirement of your medical degree. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 12 months of clinical experience prior to the start of the placement.

3. Health Clearance and Vaccinations : You must provide proof of health clearance and have received all necessary vaccinations in accordance with NHS standards.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application for the ImpactTrek Medical Elective Program:

1. Motivation Letter : A brief statement outlining your interest in the program, your goals for the elective, and what you hope to contribute and gain from the experience.

2. Letter of Recommendation : A signed recommendation letter from a clinical or academic supervisor at your medical school.

3. Academic Transcript : An official transcript from your university, detailing your academic performance to date.

4. Passport Copy : A clear scanned copy of your valid passport (photo page only).

5. Elective Travel Insurance : Documentation confirming “elective travel insurance” coverage for the duration of your elective.

How to Apply

We’ve made the application process simple and supportive — here’s how it works:

Step 1:
Check Eligibility

Make sure you meet the criteria:

  • Final or penultimate year medical student (UK)
  • Elective is a university requirement
  • 12 months of clinical experience completed
  • Up-to-date vaccinations and NHS health clearance

Step 2:
Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need to upload the following:

  • Motivation Letter
  • Recommendation Letter from your supervisor
  • University Transcript
  • Copy of Passport
  • Proof of Elective Travel Insurance

Step 3:
Personalised Planning Call

Once you’ve reviewed the requirements, we’ll arrange a short call to personalise your elective to your goals and interests.

During the call, we’ll:

  • Explore your interests and any areas you’d like to focus on
  • Tailor the elective to suit your academic and personal goals
  • Answer all your questions — big or small

You’ll also have ongoing support from both our UK and Nepal teams before, during, and even after your elective.

Step 4:
Submit Your Deposits & Documents

After the call, you can secure your place by:

  • Paying a £200 non-refundable deposit
  • Sending the required documents listed above to our team

Step 5:
Confirmation & Next Steps

Once your application is approved:

  • You’ll receive a placement confirmation letter
  • We’ll help you prepare for your trip
  • Our team will stay in touch leading up to your arrival in Nepal

Meet Our Team

We’re here to guide and support you — before, during, and after your elective in Nepal. Feel free to learn more about us or get in touch directly.

Callum 🇬🇧

Director – Medical Electives & UK Operations

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Callum is currently a resident doctor working at Royal Blackburn Hospital. He graduated from Warwick Medical School in 2024, following an undergraduate degree in Medical Physiology from the University of Nottingham.

Though still a resident doctor, Callum has had a range of medical experience; as an ICU assistant and vaccinator during COVID 19, working in an autism children’s home in China, as an ultramarathon medic, and spending time with prehospital care services in Nepal.

Passionate about the outdoors, Callum is an avid runner and mountaineer, with several marathons and ultramarathons under his belt. He currently holds the fastest known time (FKT) for traversing the highpoints of Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands in a single day, as part of a self-directed project titled ‘Operation Pangea’- where he aims to climb the tallest peak in every country (currently at 28 and counting!). To date, he has visited over 50 countries.

Prakash 🇳🇵

Founder & Program Director – Impact Trek

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Prakash is the founder of Impact Trek, and has been managing trekking expeditions, medical research projects, and student electives in Nepal since 2013. With over a decade of hands-on experience organizing logistics across both remote Himalayan regions and city-based clinical placements, Prakash ensures every elective is smooth, safe, and meaningful.

He has worked closely with international medical schools, researchers, and healthcare volunteers from across the UK, Europe, and Asia — developing a strong reputation for local coordination, cultural insight, and high standards of safety and support. From arranging hospital placements to organizing mountain treks and rural health outreach, Prakash brings a unique blend of professionalism and heartfelt Nepali hospitality.

Whether you’re preparing for your elective or looking to explore the mountains after your placement, Prakash and his team are here to help you make the most of your time in Nepal — academically, culturally, and personally.