Women's Reproductive Health in Mexico

  Mexico

• Pacific Coast: 
Puerto Escondido

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 Women's Reproductive Health in Mexico program takes place in Puerto Escondido, a small seaside town in the state of Oaxaca. There, students will gain exposure to many of the challenges that women in rural Mexico face when managing their reproductive health. In addition to rotations in local clinics and public healthcare centers, students will take medical and conversational Spanish classes at a local language school.

During clinical rotations, students will have the opportunity to see Puerto Escondido's healthcare system for women in a variety of settings. Opportunities range from working in primary care clinics to participating in rural reproductive healthcare programs with midwives or parteras. Overall, Mexico has a maternal mortality rate of approximately 83 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, a number which is often higher in poorer, more rural states such as Oaxaca. Over 60% of registered births in this coastal region are performed by parteras in the home.

By the end of the program participants will have a clear understanding of the way the public healthcare system is organized in the coastal region of Oaxaca to address women's health issues. Participants may be able to participate in monthly educational workshops for women that are a part of the world famous comprehensive program with origins in rural Mexico, Oportunidades. Its success has been widely evaluated and recognized and is now being replicated by governments worldwide, including in New York City.

Highlights:    
* Clinical Rotation/Academic Credit Assistance
* Language Training Component
* Accommodation
* 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

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: For those who are not completely confident with their Spanish language skills before participation in the program, we strongly recommend that you arrive at your program site early to stay with a homestay family and pay extra for additional Spanish instruction before you begin the CFHI program. Minimal Spanish skills are NOT sufficient to participate in 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
* 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. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Mexico 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