Medical immersion course
We have further expanded the scope of our programs by establishing a medical immersion study abroad course. Basic Health International has collaborated with Speak® El Salvador to develop a two week course designed for public heath and medical students who are interested in broadening their experience in the medical field outside the United States. Our course offers students the opportunity to engage in an international public health initiative while they expand their research and field experience.
The first week of this two-week course consists of a Spanish class with a practical and cultural component at Hampshire College. The second week offers clinical field experience in various rural communities of El Salvador. While in El Salvador, classes are held Monday to Friday from 8:00am to noon. During the afternoon, students will learn from the culture of El Salvador with various visits to museums, archeological sites, etc.
To date we have had over 30 students participate in this program. They have been involved in a number of different activities, including surveying women regarding acceptance of IUD, shadowing Basic Health International-trained health promoters in their communities, and assisting in service projects to maintain upkeep of BHI clinics.
One of our past participants has been working and designing a portable, durable and medically effective gynecological table for doctors in rural El Salvador.
For informational about our medical immersion course with Hampshire College, contact our program manager, Lauren Ditzian at lditzian@basichealth.org