Tropical Medicine and Rural Health on the Coast of Mexico

  Mexico

Oaxaca,  Puerto Escondido

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Every month, throughout the year

Description: The Tropical Medicine and Rural Health program takes place in Puerto Escondido, a small town in the state of Oaxaca. There, students will gain exposure to many of the tropical diseases that are common in the area. In addition to clinical rotations, students will take medical and conversational Spanish classes at a local school.

During clinical rotations, students will have the opportunity to see Puerto Escondido's health care system in a variety of settings. Opportunities range from working in primary care clinics to participating in rural disease control programs. One of the key health problems students will encounter in their clinical rotations is malaria, common in tropical regions. Students may also witness cases of chagas, dengue, and common parasites.

Type 2 diabetes has also become a prevalent health problem in this town, and it is now one of the leading causes of death in Puerto Escondido. In addition to learning about tropical diseases, students will be assisting doctors in diagnosing and treating diabetes in communities that often lack the necessary resources to handle the disease on their own. Students may also get the chance to participate in Malaria Brigades, a common health initiative for malaria control.

Highlights: Program Details:

* Clinical Rotation/Academic Credit Assistance
* Language Training Component
* Accommodations
* Communication

Clinical Rotations:

CFHI's rotations are designed to offer you clinical and observational experiences relevant to your level of medical education. The program includes the following educational aspects:

* Pre-trip orientation materials & web conference opportunities
* Orientation upon arrival, including cultural adjustment exercises
* Weekly meetings with Medical Director and Local Coordinator
* Clinical rotations Monday-Friday, excepting holidays or work stoppages, working with a local physician who has opted to participate in CFHI as a teaching preceptor
* Information sessions that highlight the health care system in that country, common cases you will encounter and other site-specific information
* Post-trip debrief materials & other on-going alumni activities/services

Qualifications: Language Ability

This program is open to those who possess:

* Conversant Spanish
* Fluent Spanish
* For those who are not completely confident with their language skills before participation in the program, we strongly recommend that you arrive at your program site early and pay extra for additional Spanish instruction before you begin the CFHI program. Minimal Spanish skills are NOT sufficient for this program!

This program is open to participants who are 21 or over at the time of participation. We accept students of all nationalities with interest in international health and relevant educational background. Participants may be any of the following:

* Medical Residents, MD & DO
* Medical Students, MD & DO 1-2
* Medical Students, MD & DO 3-4
* Senior level Pre-Medical Students
* Post-bacc pre-medical students
* Gap year pre-medical students
* Graduate nursing students
* Nursing Students
* MPH Students
* Physicians Assistants Students
* Naturpathic students

If you do not fit into one of these categories, please contact us to see if you would be eligible to apply.

Cost in US$: Approx USD 2,000 depending on program.

* Pre-departure and on-site orientation materials and guidance
* Accommodation with a local homestay family with 2 meals per day within program dates
* International Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation Insurance
* Airport pick up on arrival
* Thirty hours of Spanish classes. Additional language training beyond 30 hours: USD 7/hour individual instruction, $5/hour for small group instruction.
* All preceptor, hospital and coordinator fees
* Weekly meetings with coordinator and Medical Director

What's not included?

* Airfare to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
* Airport Drop-off
* Passport or visa fees
* Local transportation to and from clinic sites
* Other expenses of a personal nature like weekend and after-hour activities. This includes but is not limited to local transportation, tourist trips in and around Puerto, and any personal expenses incurred.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 21 or over

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently

Scholarships are Available. As available-- see our website for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Child Family Health International's Mission Statement: Child Family Health International (CFHI) is a nonprofit that builds and strengthens sustainable healthcare services for underserved communities worldwide. CFHI conducts global health service-learning programs for medical, pre-medical, nursing, PA, MPH, and other health science students. CFHI supports local communities worldwide through these global health education programs, medical supply donations, as well as other community initiatives to advance quality healthcare for all.

Year Founded: 1993