Mark Wilson gives you some tips on arranging your elective in Lebanon

Key facts

• Population--3.6 million
• Capital--Beirut
• Language--Arabic (French and English)
• Currency--Lebanese Pound
• International dialing code--+961

Lebanon, situated just north of Israel, has progressed well since its civil war ended in 1991 after 16 years. A more liberal political system has developed giving Muslims--who make up 70% of the population--a greater say. It has not been a popular elective destination, but that is changing.

Medicine

Before the war, Lebanon was regarded as having the best health care in the region. Lebanon is now regaining this reputation. Of the 150 hospitals, however, only a few are public. People living in and around poor urban areas can have great difficulty in accessing care. Although the national medical insurance programme is funded by employers, employees, and the government, patients in hospital still have to contribute.

To arrange an elective in Lebanon, you can either apply directly (box) or you can apply through an exchange organised by the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (www.ifmsa.org), the UK branch of which is Medical Students International Network.

AP PHOTO/AHMED AZAKIR

Vaccinations

Get your diphtheria, tetanus, and measles booster; hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, polio, and typhoid may also be necessary. Contact your occupational health department for more information.

Some useful addresses

The Ministry of Health--www.public-health.gov.lb

Medical schools

• American University of Beirut--Bliss Street, Beirut (tel +961 137 4374; fax +961 174 4469; www.aub.edu.lb)
• Beirut Arab University--PO Box 11 5020, Beirut (tel +961 1300 110; fax +961 1818 402; www.bau.edu.lb)
• University of Balamand--Deir El-Balamand El-Koura (tel +961 6930 250; fax +961 6930 278; www.balamand.edu.lb)
• Université Saint-Joseph--PO Box 11 5076, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2180 (tel +961 1 614 004; fax +961 1 614 054; www.usj.edu.lb)
• Université Libanaise--Mont-Liban, Dekwaneh (tel +961 510 868; fax +961 495 786)

Some hospitals

There is a complete list of all Lebanon's hospitals on www.lebanesedoctors.com

• American University of Beirut--PO Box 11 0236, Beirut 1107 2020 (tel +961 1 350 000; fax: +961 1 345 325). This is the major hospital for the University above. See this month's elective report.
• Da Al Ajaz Al Islamia Hospital--Sabra Street., East of Sports City, PO Box 14 5795, Beirut 1105 2070 (tel +961 1 856 658)
• Sahel General Hospital--Airport Avenue, PO Box 99/25, Ghobeiry, Beirut (tel +961 1 858 333 40; fax +961 1 840 146; www.sahelhospital.com.lb). This is a 172 bed hospital serving 700 000 people in south Beirut. The hospital is affiliated with the Lebanese School of Medicine.

Mark Wilson runs www.medicstravel.com