Michigan State University: Dominican Republic - Pre-Clinical Observation, Culture & Medicine

This program is designed to provide MSU undergraduate students with exposure to clinical medicine and health issues related to careers in medicine, public health, or other health professions.  The program is comprised of seven modules and provides a history of medicine and public health and insights on the relevance of culture and the practice of medicine.  It offers learners a basic understanding of clinical practice in a foreign setting through clinical preceptors during morning engagements.  It provides an overview of seven core disciplines: clinical shadowing, culture (two lectures), history of medicine, introduction to public health, introduction to tropical diseases, cultural competency in healthcare delivery, and introduction to HIV care.  Students analyze various components of medical and public health issues relevant to disease burden and management in an engaging discussion format during afternoon lecture sessions.  Students examine health issues confronting underdeveloped countries and they learn about future challenges for health care and global health issues.