Pediatric Health In La Paz

  Bolivia

La Paz

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: All Year Round

Description: Introduction

The Pediatric Health program offers a holistic learning experience, which includes unique clinical rotations serving children and families, medical and conversational Spanish classes, and a home stay with a local family in La Paz.

Today La Paz is a vibrant city, growing and expanding in all directions. Although vibrant and growing, the city is rife with poverty, malnutrition, and poor sanitation. Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and is home to a large population of children without access to adequate healthcare. Many of them are street and working children--untended children and adolescents who struggle to survive on the streets as well as children of desperately poor families in which all members must contribute to meet basic survival needs.

Students will be immersed in the region's language and culture while participating in La Paz's healthcare system. Although students will be working with children for the most part, they will have the opportunity to see or participate in public health work addressing other aspects of poverty as well.

Highlights: What Alumni Say

NAME : Elise Laflamme
Medical school Level : Pre med Senior
Dates of Experience : May 2006
Clerkship Site : Pediatric Health in La Paz

Q: Would you recommend this program to your colleagues?

A: "This program was amazing; it worked as a great cultural experience, a volunteer opportunity, and a chance to learn more about medicine and public health around the world."

Q:Has this experience changed your perspective on medicine and the field in which you are going to specialize? If so, how?

A: My experience with CFHI was incomparable. I enjoyed myself thoroughly, while meeting great people and experiencing a great culture. The homestay was extremely comfortable and the family was so kind the other students and I. Every one of the doctors that I was fortunate to work with was very welcoming and did their very best to make my experience as best as possible. They went out of their way so that I was able to observe and help with as much as possible in the hospitals and clinics. I learned a great amount about the public health system in Bolivia through informative medical lectures, and through the doctors themselves. My medical coordinator, Cecilia Uribe, was amazing. I worked on my own individual research while in Bolivia, and she was extremely helpful and worked with me so that I had all of the resources necessary. Finally, I was able to improve my Spanish and see another part of the world. I would highly recommend this program to any medical or nursing student."

Q:Was the medical education curriculum (lectures, info on healthcare system, any case studies discussed, etc.) provided on-site sufficient for your interest level? Please elaborate.

A:"Yes, it was perfect. We learned about healthcare issues in Bolivia, their medical insurance programs, diseases prevalent in the area, and many other interesting topics."

Qualifications: Health Sciences student over 21, with valid visas and 2 references.

Cost in US$: $1,925

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Our volunteers are typically health science students (pre-meds to residents) and we think that the best response to this question is to state below what we see as the objectives of the program. What are the objectives of the program? CFHI's International Health Service-Learning Programs help participants: * Develop a larger sense of cultural competency * Observe and develop existing clinical skills * Broaden public health knowledge * Develop creativity in problem-solving * Deepen their commitment to service * Promote medical supply conservation

Age Range: 21 - 28

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Bolivia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-4

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Child Family Health International's Mission Statement: Child Family Health International (CFHI) builds and strengthens sustainable healthcare services for underserved communities worldwide. CFHI conducts international health, service-learning programs for medical, pre-medical and other health students. Each year, by sending students to work and study with our international partners, we provide health services for families and children around the world.

Year Founded: 1993