Course description:

As residents of the United States we experience one of the most sophisticated health care systems in the world.  Most of the world struggles with considerably less. The purpose of this course is to expose the student to some of the unique health care problems in a third world country and to permit the student to be a part of the solution. The student will be particularly exposed to medical missions and will be spiritually challenged to consider the option of medical missions early in his or her career. The course will be taught with the cooperation of Dr. Bradley Quist, a Calvin graduate and physician with HCJB World Radio Missions stationed with the Hospital Vozandes Oriente in Shell, Ecuador. While in Ecuador the course will focus on three areas: 1) Medicine as practiced in hospitals and clinics in a large city (Quito), 2) Medicine in an intermediate provincial center (Shell), 3) Medicine in remote areas in the jungles of the Amazon Basin. Students will be paired with American and national physicians and health care workers. Formal lectures, informal discussions, and on-site experience will constitute the bulk of the interim.

The course will meet several times in the fall prior to the interim session. The student will be required to keep a journal. Evaluation of the student is based on the journal, paper, and on participation.

Prerequisites:

Satisfactory completion of Biology 141 or its equivalent and permission of the instructor is required prior to registration. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful.  Preference will be given to those in a health science program.  This course application requires one recommendation.

Cost:

Approximately $2,655, which includes airfare, lodging, and meals.

Contact:

For further information, contact P. Tigchelaar (526-6346) in the Biology Department.

For course applications, go to Student Resources.