FTE is delighted to partner with Medic to Medic, a UK and New Zealand international development charity founded in 2007. Their focus is to provide scholarships to financially disadvantaged healthcare students who are at risk of dropping out of their training due to poverty. Each year in Malawi they sponsor 80-100 students.
Their elective programme both utilizes and supports their growing body of alumni graduates to offer some fantastic and unique elective opportunities in Malawi whilst also raising funds for their ongoing work. FTE offers full access to M2M placements at the same cost as booking with them directly.
Both M2M and FTE believe that medical electives in Malawi are transformative, offering students invaluable clinical and cultural experiences while shaping their perspectives. Beyond this, electives benefit M2M alumni, who mentor students and provide training in language and tropical medicine. Plus, any surplus generated—especially with your fundraising—supports the next generation of Malawian healthcare workers. By choosing M2M, you’re directly contributing to sustainable healthcare development.
M2M started placing elective students in 2023 and have growing experience at several sites across the country. You might wish to check out their extensive range of YouTube clips or learn more from their website: Medic to Medic Electives.
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FTE Take – Medic to Medic
Elective-Suitability Rubric
To help you compare sites and make informed choices we offer this summary assessment of the sites we offer. This reflects the academic lead’s analysis in the light of site visits and the feedback available to us, but please note that staff turn-over can be high and things can change rapidly in small centres. The following is therefore for guidance only.
Dimension
Description
Comfort vs Challenge
Medic to Medic is a well-established outstanding charity that is connected with many clinical units across Malawi and has a network of medical and other alumni keen to support elective students.
They will speak with you and arrange available placements to suit your preferences.
This is helpful because although Malawi is a wonderfully welcoming country it is less developed than many and therefore sometimes challenging in terms of things like transport, food choices, power and water cuts.
Malawi is a very rewarding destination, arguably at the more challenging end of the elective spectrum. However, there are more flights to Lilongwe than Blantyre, but the latter may more convenient and where Medic to Medic staff can offer airport pick-up and accommodation if you wish.
Safety vs Adventure
Visitors should be mindful of road safety and petty crime but the country is renowned for its hospitality and is generally safe.
Sociability vs Isolation
You are likely to be in the company of other students at most M2M host sites and benefit from a local elective mentor.
Hands-on vs Observational
This will vary depending upon the site and is something to raise with M2M when selecting your preferred destination
Engagement opportunities
M2M incorporates a fee to support their core activities as well as tree planting projects which offer some great village homestay opportunities etc. If you are able to fundraise they may well be able to involve you in related projects you are supporting.
Costs and value
Malawi in general is a little more expensive than neighboring African elective opportunities M2M include a levy as stated above. However, you are ‘buying into’ a very well-engineered charitable outfit which you should make fundraising a successful integral part of your experience. They also offer language and tropical medicine tutorials before arrival.
M2M also offers unique bespoke guidance and support for a range of host sites.
Travel / tourism
Medic to Medic can assist with travel around Malawi for those staying with them. Otherwise, local taxis or minibuses known as Khombis may be your only option. Motorbikes are ubiquitous but high risk!
Career relevance
N/A currently
Academic opportunities
Healthcare Improvement projects may be feasible if well planned in advance. Discuss with CEO of M2M.
Additional Comments and Tips specific to this host
M2M have a comprehensive elective manual. Booking M2M via FTE is at the same total cost but offers our Predeparture Preparation and Fundraising offset options.
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M2M offers UK a unique elective experience typically starting with a 2–6 week orientation at Mwaiwathu Hospital in Blantyre. This private hospital, it provides high-quality mentoring and a structured environment, though with limited tropical medicine exposure. You can choose your preferred discipline.
For a deeper dive into Malawian healthcare, we arrange transfers to government hospitals (Zomba Central, Mwanza District) or mission hospitals (Trinity, St. Peter’s, St. John’s). These settings offer a more authentic, hands-on experience, including work in rural areas.
Beyond hospital placements, you may have the opportunity for a homestay experience, school healthcare outreach, or involvement in Healthcare Improvement, audit, or research projects.
Dr. Tamsin Lillie knows each site and tutor personally and will guide you in choosing the best placement for your goals.
All M2M elective sites offer opportunities to focus on Paediatrics, Medicine, Surgery or Maternity care (no subspeciality placements available). Students can rotate through departments if desired, but we believe longer placements with one team offer the most valuable learning and best experience. Community outreach opportunities may also be available.
Healthcare Improvement or Audit or Research projects may be available in conjunction with and facilitated by the Medic to Medic team. These MUST be discussed in advance.
Dr. Tamsin Lillie will guide you in choosing the best placement options.
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In Blantyre, accommodation is provided at the Medic to Medic house in New Naperi, Blantyre. Accommodation includes bedding, breakfast, laundry facilities and, access to kitchen for cooking own meals.
At our elective sites in rural Malawi, accomodation is allocated according to availability. We will provide you with more details upon booking!
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Blantyre offers plenty of activities to explore during your elective. Stay updated on local events by joining Facebook groups like “Blantyre Malawi Social Group” and “BTXP+”.
Blantyre Sports Park provides access to a gym, swimming pool, and other fitness facilities. There’s also a local running group and a farmers’ market.
Malawi, known as the Warm Heart of Africa, is famous for its welcoming people and stunning landscapes. Nearby attractions include Mulanje and Zomba for hiking, Majete Wildlife Reserve for safaris, and the scenic Lake Malawi.
Check out the Elective Programme leaflet on the Medic to Medic website for a full FAQ section.
What do I need to know about Malawi’s culture and laws?
Malawi is a highly conservative country. There are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights—homosexuality is illegal, same-sex unions are not recognised, and there are no protections for gender identity. Students should be mindful of this when considering their elective.
What if I have concerns about my placement?
If you feel uncomfortable with a task, always work within your competence and seek supervision. Your elective mentor is available for support.
What happens if I need medical assistance?
Inform your elective coordinator and seek care at a hospital. Ensure you have valid travel insurance for medical emergencies.
What if I need to renew my visa?
Most visas allow a 90-day stay, but you must get a monthly immigration stamp. Visit an immigration office in Blantyre, Mzuzu, or Likoma Island.
How can I budget for my elective?
Local meals cost £1.50–£2, while restaurant meals can range from £8+. Plan for at least £350 per month for food and daily expenses.
How can I stay connected?
A local SIM card will be provided at the start of your elective. Airtel offers better coverage, but TNM is a cheaper option.
For more details, visit the Elective Programme leaflet on the Medic to Medic website or contact us at Fair Trade Electives
