Stanford-based Programs
International Community Health - Guatemala
Clerkship in International Community Health
Clerkship Description:
This clerkship is based in San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala, an indigenous town in a coffee growing region on the southern shore of Lake Atitlan. The clerkship couples direct clinical experience with a broader exposure to the social determinants of health and the provision of medical care in resource-poor areas of the world. Students are precepted for clinical work in a small hospital and in mobile clinics. The clinical conditions to be encountered may include viral syndromes, diarrhea, dysentery, parasitic diseases, malnutrition, asthma, skin disorders, tuberculosis, onchocerciasis, as well as a variety of chronic disorders, such as congenital anomalies, hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. The students are also able to participate in the care of emergency cases that arrive at the clinic as well as birth deliveries. Students attend didactic sessions on the epidemiology, diagnoses, and available therapies related to prevalent clinical conditions. In addition, students participate in an array of community development activities (including potable water systems, reforestation, and medicinal herb programs), and have opportunities to explore the local customs and history of the area. Assigned readings and orientation sessions are held prior to traveling for the rotation.
Students must apply and be approved by the Clerkship Director prior to registering for this clerkship. Participation limited to 3 students per period.
Location: San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala
Prerequisite: Basic conversational Spanish required.
Instructor: Paul Wise, MD, MPH
Periods available in 2006: Periods 2 and 4B
Units: 3-6
Call Code: No call, but may include some weekend work
Setting and Structure
General Information and Preparation Tips
Journal entry from a student
Early Clinical Experience in International Community Health
Course Description:
This course is an Early Clinical Experience based in San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala, an indigenous town in a coffee growing region on the southern shore of Lake Atitlan. The course provides students with a supervised introduction to health problems and the provision of medical care in resource-poor areas of the world. Students have the opportunity to shadow and observe health care providers and participate in clinical rounds in both hospital and mobile clinic settings. Students also participate in an array of community development activities (including potable water systems, reforestation, and medicinal herb programs), and have opportunities to explore the local customs and history of the area. Didactic sessions are conducted by the medical faculty on the epidemiology, diagnoses, and available therapies related to the clinical conditions prevalent in the area, which can include viral syndromes, diarrhea, dysentery, parasitic diseases, malnutrition, asthma, skin disorders, tuberculosis, onchocerciasis, as well as a variety of chronic disorders, such as congenital anomalies, hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. Students work with village health promoters who provide invaluable insight into local health conditions and translation services between Kaqchiquel (the local indigenous language) and Spanish when needed. Assigned readings and orientation sessions are held prior to traveling for the rotation.
Students must apply, interview, and be approved by the Instructor prior to registering for this course. Participation limited.
Location: San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala
Prerequisites: Basic conversational Spanish, application, interview & instructor approval
Instructor: Paul Wise, MD, MPH
Course offered: Summer quarter 2006, full-time for either 2 or 4 weeks during the month of August
Units: 3-6
