International Health

Medical teams from the University of Cincinnati and the Department of Family Medicine have been traveling to Honduras since 1991 and to Brazil since 1995. These physicians and other personnel have provided care to countless people who have no direct access to health care.

One remote area to which the teams journeyed early was Santa Lucia, Honduras. This city is located near the southwest corner of the country, within one hour's walk of El Salvador. From the outset, it was apparent that the community had leadership and drive, and was desirous of making health care available to their region. So in 1992, with the backing of U.S. donors, land was purchased and ground broken to begin construction of the Clinica Hombro a Hombro. The construction was a joint effort between a dedicated group of Honduran and U.S. builders and volunteers. Now, onsite, is a modern medical facility, dental clinic, nutrition center, and dormitory. The clinic also contains a stocked pharmacy (thanks in large part to U.S. donations), an operating room, an x-ray unit, a laboratory, furnished exam rooms, medical library, reception/waiting room, toilet facilities, and the only hot water shower within a six hour driving range.

The International Health Track provides special training opportunities for residents who desire to increase their skills and knowledge in areas of travel medicine, tropical medicine, and international health. Our program has national acclaim and a well developed curriculum that continues throughout each of the three years of residency training; with weekly meetings where journal articles are reviewed, cases are discussed, and IH topics presented. The primary focus of the International Health Program is community oriented primary care to help residents develop strong public health skills.

This Residency Track includes:

Year One

An IH Elective which consists of didactic lectures, case studies, and laboratory experiences in field diagnosis. This elective is taught by prominent figures in various international and medical fields. The course is followed by a medical mission to an underserved area in Honduras or to remote sites along the Amazon in Brazil.

Year Two

A two or four week experience in Honduras or Brazil with residents serving as project team leaders and organizers.

Year Three

Provides a month long opportunity for the resident to choose a site for practice. This may be in a developing country, an underserved area of the United States, or under the auspices of the Indian Health Service. Other opportunities are also available. Airfare and continued salary support are paid for by the residency program. There is also a $50/week room and board stipend.

Honduras/Brazil Rotation Overview

Summary: Each experience includes providing care for the poor and underserved in developing countries. There are no direct funds available for food, transportation, or housing. These must be contributed by the participant. Costs range from $1,450 to $2,400 depending on site, length of stay, and current transportation costs. In most cases, academic credit is available through the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Cincinnati.

The Department of Family Medicine at the University of Cincinnati offers International Health rotations for individual participation, or we can provide the infrastructure for your own group to provide care at one of our sites. If you or your group are interested, please call Sharon Mullen, Coordinator of International Health at (513) 721-2221 ext. 10. You can also fax your name, address, and site participation interest to (513) 345-6665.

BRAZIL
Basic experience in wilderness medicine. Starting from Manaus, the group travels through the Amazon on a large boat delivering care to remote villages along the riverbanks. The group experience, led by faculty and senior residents, departs every April for 2-3 weeks.
Participation: 4th year med students, resident or faculty

HONDURAS - Santa Lucia
Established clinic since 1994, is a rural site in the mountains 2 km from the El Salvador border. One full time bilingual Honduran physician is stationed there and is well acquainted in working with North American medical students. This is a great opportunity for learning about health care systems, community-oriented primary care and delivery of care in isolated areas.
Participation: group or individual, medical student, resident, or faculty

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH COURSE
This is given every year in April and October. The course begins with a two week laboratory and didactic session at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine followed by a group experience in Honduras. It is a continuation of community-oriented primary care and public health. It is always supervised by experienced faculty and senior residents.
Participation: group or individual, 4th year students, residents, faculty

Current Projects at Honduras Clinic:

• Alcoholism Study
• Natural Family Planning
• Satellite Communications
• Water Survey and Purification
• Maternal Depression Study
• Public Health Issues including latrine building
• Prevalence of intestinal parasites
• Primary School Feeding Program
• Nutrition among school-aged children

Click here for an International Health Site Visit Application

Brigade Member's Handbook

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