Luang Prabang, Laos

The Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC) is a teaching hospital located in the Luang Prabang that treats over 20,000 children per year. Residents will rotate in the inpatient ward, the emergency department, the nursery, and the outpatient department, including taking supervisory night call.

LFHC’s major academic mission is to train a cadre of pediatricians and pediatric residents to fill this skills gap in Laos. Residents will work side-by-side with Lao physicians and nurses to help teach pediatric care and management principles. All teaching and rounding is conducted in English. Overall teaching and supervision on-site is provided by three senior ex-patriate physicians, including Dr. Indi Trehan, a Washington University Pediatrics faculty member and director of our residency global health pathway. Dr. Trehan is based at LFHC full-time, where he serves as the hospital’s medical director.

In addition to the usual tropical diseases seen in this beautiful setting, a variety of rather unique diseases are endemic to this area, including high rates of beriberi, thalassemia, and nephrolithiasis (from the extremely high calcium content in the water). A wide variety of affordable housing options are available here.

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage City located at the confluence of two rivers, full of Buddhist temples, amazing French-Asian food, lively night markets, and great opportunities for outdoor adventures on your days off.