Introduction to Traditional Medicine in India

  India

• Other Cities in India: 
Rishikesh,  Dehra Dun

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
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 Introduction to Traditional Medicine program gives students the opportunity to learn about the traditional and indigenous systems of medicine in India. Participants will study the philosophies behind Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, and Reiki. In addition to learning about traditional medicine, students will observe how these practices may interact with Allopathic methods (aka Western medicine) and gain an understanding of the importance of cross-cultural competency in diagnosing patients who may be receiving a combination of modern and traditional treatments.

Students will travel through three locations during the duration of the program; two weeks will be spent in the capital city of Dehra Dun. Students will then spend one week in the hill town of Rishikesh. The last week will be spent in Than Gaon, a rural village. Traveling through multiple towns means that students will be able to experience a variety of sites in their clinical rotations, from a primary care clinic in a rural village to the tertiary care hospital run by the state government. Students will gain first-hand experience in methods of diagnosis and treatment as they work with clinical practitioners who use Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Homeopathy and Allopathy. Clinical immersion will be supplemented with daily yoga classes and lectures and workshops on traditional medicine.

Highlights:
* Clinical Rotation/Academic Credit Assistance
* Orientation & Coordinators
* Accommodations
* Communications

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
* Scheduled 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

We recommend you study as much Hindi (and other local languages) as possible before you go, as it will greatly decrease personal frustration you may experience during the CFHI experience. All of activities listed above will be conducted in English and all of our partners in this program speak English, yet many other people you will encounter may not.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: 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
* Naturopathic 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. 2,000 for 4 weeks

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 21 and over

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

Participants Travel to India Independently

Scholarships are Available. as available-- see CFHI website.

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