NewsStudent Login
Search site

Search site

Enquire Now

PNG LukLuk

What is LukLuk?

1. Clinical Skills Development: 

Students will rotate through various hospital departments, including emergency, theatre, maternity, and general wards, where under supervision, they will assess, admit, and treat patients.

2. Public Health Engagement: 

Participation in community health initiatives, including immunisation programs, maternal and child health services, malaria and TB treatment, and health promotion activities.

3. Cultural Immersion: 

Students will live within the community, engage in local cultural activities, and participate in community health promotion activities, fostering a deeper understanding of the local context and health issues.

Pre-Departure Training

Prior to departure, students will participate in lectures and tutorials covering:

  • Health issues prevalent in the region (Malaria, TB, Dengue Fever, HIV, and birthing practices).
  • Cultural competency and language basics
  • Clinical skills relevant to the context of PNG

In-Country Activities

Hospital Work

Work in various hospital departments under medical supervision, assisting in theatre, maternity, emergency care, and patient admissions. Students may provide hospital staff training on life support, neonatal resuscitation, infection control, IV protocols, and medication procedures.

Community Engagement

Live with the local community, shop at markets, join sports or walking groups, and participate in local health promotion activities.

Field Work with SDP

Travel by boat, plane, or foot to remote villages, supporting SDP staff with immunization programs, maternal and child health, malaria and TB treatment, and emergency care.

Schedule of Responsibilities

  • RuralMedEd

    Responsible for placement logistics, support, orientation, project development, and risk management. Facilitate student visa applications, arrange international and domestic flights (in and out of Port Moresby).

  • Griffith University

    Provides academic oversight, pre-departure training, and ensures positive learning outcomes through joint appointments and assessments, include the SDP placement in the University international elective program and ensure all students are placement ready.

  • Balimo/Morehead Hospital

    Provides supervision and teaching through local doctors, facilitates hospital rotations, and supports community health activities. Provides secure local accommodation.

  • Students

    Participate fully in clinical, community, and field activities, engage with local culture, and adhere to all guidelines and protocols, arrange flights to and from Port Moresby.

Risk Assessment

  • Health Risks

    Students will be briefed on health risks and preventive measures for diseases prevalent in the region (Malaria, TB, Dengue Fever, HIV).

  • Safety Protocols

    Emergency retrieval plans, insurance coverage for illness and medical negligence, and local emergency contact procedures will be in place.

  • Cultural Sensitivity

    Training on cultural norms and expectations to ensure respectful and effective interaction with the local community.

  • Travel Risks

    Detailed travel safety briefings, including guidelines for boat, plane/helicopter and foot travel to remote villages.

Insurance and Support

  • Students will have comprehensive insurance coverage, including illness, emergency retrieval, and medical negligence.

  • An experienced RuralMedEd staff member may accompany each rotation to provide additional support and ensure smooth operation.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

  • Students will be supervised and assessed by local doctors, who may apply for Academic Titles at Griffith University with access to university library facilities.
  • Regular evaluations and feedback from students, supervisors, and partners will inform ongoing improvements to the program.
  • The program has the potential to upskill local hospital staff in Neonatal Resus, CPR to decrease the long-term disability of an inadequately resuscitated newborn, the skills to actively initiate lifesaving cardiac therapy and cardiac defibrillation.

The SDP Balimo/Morehead placement program aims to provide a transformative learning experience for medical students while contributing to sustainable health improvements in the Western Province region of PNG. Through direct clinical practice, public health engagement, and cultural immersion, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare in a rural and resource-limited setting. This program fosters stronger people-to-people and institutional relationships, offering mutual benefits for both students and local staff.

Students learn to deliver effective treatments with limited resources, while local staff benefit from the opportunity to discuss diverse treatment methods and establish collegial professional relationships. This collaboration supports ongoing professional development, access to specialist advice, and enhanced treatment options and differential diagnoses for patients.

Enrol Now

Other Griffith University Medical Students Programs

Through our partnership with Griffith University, we provide medical students with immersive rural placements that offer hands-on clinical experience. These placements help students develop essential knowledge and skills for a career in medicine whilst gaining a deeper understanding of rural healthcare challenges and community needs.

ShortLook

6-12 week placements
ShortLook offers medical students 6- to 12-week placements in rural settings, delivering a focused yet enriching experience to build clinical skills and gain meaningful insight into rural healthcare. These short-term placements provide a valuable glimpse into the unique challenges and rewards of practicing medicine in regional communities.
Learn More

LongLook

Year 3 and Year 4 one-year placements
LongLook offers year-long clinical placements in rural communities for Year 3 and Year 4 Griffith medical students. These placements provide comprehensive clinical experiences and foster strong connections with patients and local healthcare practices. Beyond the clinical setting, students also enjoy a rich social experience—becoming part of close-knit communities and forming lasting friendships while living and learning in a supportive rural environment.
Learn More