Medical Internship: UC Davis Quarter Abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico

  Mexico

• Oaxaca: 
Oaxaca

Term: Fall 
Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: UC Davis Fall Quarter

Description: CFHI and UC Davis have teamed up to offer this new and specialized program that offers University of California students the opportunity to take UCD classes on transnational (US-Mexico) health issues and participate in internships in hospitals and clinics in Oaxaca, Mexico!

Courses offered through this program are designed to provide students with cultural competencies that are crucial for effective health care professionals. This program is also designed to provide in-depth clinical experience that will not only lead to greater Spanish fluency, but also, greater awareness of the similarity and differences of medical practice in Mexico and United States and the implication of these issues on medical practice and treatment of the growing Mexican immigrant population in the United States.

Oaxaca remains one of the richest states in the world - in history, culture, tradition, natural beauty, unexploited mineral deposits and other natural resources. It is also one of the poorest - in average income, in modern and efficient services of water, drainage and healthcare.

In Oaxaca CFHI students can explore a different culture and way of life while learning about the region's healthcare system through clinical rotations. It is truly a crossroads where different cultures and healthcare practices intersect. Oaxaca City, one of the most unique cities in Mexico, is steeped in history, tradition, and the influences of a vibrant indigenous culture. Students will be immersed in the region's language and rich culture while learning about contemporary social issues facing the local population.

Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in Mexico, and many of its inhabitants, especially those of the large indigenous population in rural areas, have limited access to even rudimentary healthcare services. Participants will be exposed to various elements of Oaxacan healthcare: public and private, urban and rural.

Highlights: Please visit the UC Davis Quarter Abroad website for more information about the academic portion of the program.

* General Curriculum
* Clinical Rotations
* Language Training Component
* Accommodations

General Curriculum:
The on-site program will combine clinical rotations with classroom teaching by UC Davis Faculty instructors and CFHI-affiliated physician lecturers based in Oaxaca, The average day will include:

1. A lecture/discussions on one of a range of topics
2. Intensive small-group Medical Spanish class
3. Rotations through local local health care settings: shadowing, taking patient histories, etc.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: Language Ability:
Because of the nature of the program, all applicants must have at least a moderate command of Spanish, i.e., be comfortable with basic conversation and expressing simple ideas. If you do not meet this criteria, please call the CFHI office to determine eligibility.

Other Eligibility:
Please note this program is only open to all University of California students in good standing with a strong interest in and commitment to community health and who have applied through the UC Davis Quarter Abroad office. Please contact the UC Davis Quarter Abroad office directly for eligibility requirements.

Cost in US$: Contact UC Davis Quarter Abroad office for details

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

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