ADI needs volunteer doctors with an interest in tropical medicine, women’s health, paediatrics and sexual health. You should be motivated to practice in a place where a doctor’s life is not only a challenge, it's an adventure.

ADI specialises in Integrated Health Patrols in New Ireland and Western Province. Our doctors provide voluntary clinical and preventative health services during patrols to health centres and aid posts. They also train local health workers whilst on the job and during in-service workshops download job description

In New Ireland, we have a secondary volunteer medical officer role: This doctor provides clinical health services at Namatanai District Hospital and five key health centres in the district. Namatanai Hospital sees about 65,000 outpatients a year and yet has not had a resident doctor since August 2010 download job description

Assignments range from three to six months in Western Province, and five months in New Ireland Province. Doctors from Australia and New Zealand are encouraged to apply.

Job description

The main duties of an ADI volunteer doctor assigned to Integrated Health Patrols are to:

• Undertake Integrated Health Patrols and provide clinical services to nominated health centres, aid posts and hospitals;
• Follow up patients from previous visits, including compliance with medications particularly TB and leprosy;
• Provide clinical direction to health staff to improve patient care;
• Undertake case-based teaching of health workers as part of clinical examinations;
• Undertake group training of health centre staff on nominated subjects during the visit;
• Support or deliver disease prevention/disease control activities e.g. TB DOTS, malaria, STIs;
• Support MCH staff with ante-natal and post-natal care, child immunisation and well baby checks;
• Oversee the sourcing of all medications and medical supplies for patrols;
• Provide advice from time to time on technical issues, equipment, processes;
• Provide capacity building through teaching at in-service training workshops when required;
• Help motivate local health staff to improve the quality of health care and the condition of the health facility;
• Contribute to the improved service delivery of ADI.

Download the full job description and selection criteria for doctors in Western Province. Download the full job description and selection criteria for doctors in New Ireland Province - either Integrated Health Patrols or Namatanai District Hospital.

Frequently asked questions

Where are volunteers based?

Field travel by boat, plane and foot is required for all assignments.

Western Province: you'll be based in the port town Kiunga, the administrative hub of North Fly District, which is two hours by plane from Port Moresby. Western Province is isolated and physically demanding with rugged jungle, high mountain ranges, rainfall of up to 8 metres annually and vast floodplains. read more

New Ireland Province: you'll be based in the provincial capital Kavieng, which is three hours by plane from Port Moresby. New Ireland Province is less physically intense - scattered islands, tropical beaches and choppy seas - but just as professionally challenging with just 7 local doctors for 160,000 people. read more

Can I take a partner/family?

Yes, you can take a partner. If your partner is trained in health, ADI will pay for your partner’s airfares. Depending on their qualifications and skills there may be an appropriate role for them either in the local health network or at a local hospital.

If your partner is not trained in health, ADI will not pay for your partner's airfares, but will provide full board and accommodation for the period of the assignment. Your partner may wish to assist in non-medical areas.

What type of accommodation is available?

Western Province: The ADI volunteer house is located in Kiunga on the grounds of the Montfort Catholic Mission. It's a free-standing, one-bedroom house with a spare bed in the living area (see photos) and can accommodate up to three people (including one couple). The Mission has a health office, school, centre for children with disabilities and centre for workshops and conferences.

New Ireland Province: The ADI volunteer house is located in Kavieng opposite the Governor's house in a secure compound, just 500m from the main shopping area. It features three bedrooms (one double, two singles); kitchen with gas cooker and oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and cooking utensils; hot water and an automatic washing machine (see photos).

What remuneration will I receive?

You will receive a monthly Australian Expense Allowance of AUD $1,000, payable either to a bank account in Australia or an account in PNG.

What else does ADI provide?

ADI provides return airfares, insurance, vaccinations, accommodation and food.

How long does it take between applying to volunteer for ADI and departing for PNG?

If your application is successful, deployment typically takes place over the next four months. However, you can apply 12 months in advance if you wish.

What about meals?

Western Province: Food is provided by the Mission and you can choose to cook in your own house or eat in the dining room with the Bishop, Catholic priests, nuns and other lay people. Occasionally you may wish to supplement your meals with local produce from the markets. ADI will pay for this.

New Ireland Province: Please contact us for further information.

How safe is it?

Western Province: Our program is based in Kiunga, which is a port town and regional center for commerce in the North Fly District. There has been no history of uprisings or violence in the area. The local people are very helpful, friendly and engaging.

Similarly, ADI is well respected in the community and it pays to wear garments that display our name so people know who you are.

Accommodation is within the Montfort Catholic Mission complex which houses about 30 people and is regularly patrolled. However, care must be taken to look after your personal belongings.

A safe is provided for your essential personal documents and valuables, and you will need to lock the house when you are not there.

On patrol, you will always be accompanied by our local boatman/driver Jean who is very knowledgeable, reliable and experienced. Generally we find doctors are highly regarded and welcomed by villagers.

New Ireland Province: This region is very safe. There has been no history of uprisings or violence in the area. The local people are very helpful, friendly and engaging.

Similarly, ADI is well respected in the community and it pays to wear garments that display our name so people know who you are.

Accommodation in Kavieng is in a secure compound and on patrol you will always be accmpanied by a large team of around 10 provincial and district health staff.

What recreational activities are available in the area?

Western Province: The mining company, Ok Tedi, have a recreation club in Kiunga. It has a swimming pool, basic six-hole golf course and gym. There is a large library at the mission and cable television. The area is famous for birdlife including birds of paradise and cassowaries! A local environmentalist caters for interested viewers.

New Ireland Province: Kavieng town is spread out with a large, beautiful harbour and is a popular destination for sports, fishing enthusiasts and cruising yachts. There is basic golf course and a small range of restaurants.

Diving, snorkelling and surfing are available just outside of Kavieng. We recommend Lissenung Island Resort (which offers ADI volunteers a great overnight deal) and Nusa Island Retreat just 5 minutes away from Kavieng by boat.

What goods are available in the local shops?

Western Province: In Kiunga, the shops stock a varying range of goods depending on when the last shipping container arrived. There is a Minimart, a small grocery store, a bulk store, two family stores which sell general grocery items and frozen meats, and a hardware store. There is also a liquor store only open on weekdays.

There is also a major shopping centre at Tabubil, 137 kilometres away or three to four hours by road. There is generally someone going there on a weekly basis.

See photos of daily life in Kiunga.
See photos of volunteer accommodation in Kiunga.

New Ireland Province: In Kavieng, in general there is a good range of food, homewares and toiletries available. The variety of food at the markets is great, especially on Saturdays.

There is a pharmacy, several supermarkets, a hardware shop, an electronics/office/internet shop, and some variety stores. There is also an excellent seafood retail outlet located at the wharf.

See photos of Kavieng, including volunteer accommodation.

Apply to volunteer