Field Research Experience of Medical Students: Learning and Translation from Global to Underserved US Settings

Abstract

While most medical schools in the USA provide opportunities for global health experiences, global health education is not included consistently or emphasized adequately in many medical school curricula. The City University of New York Medical School (CSOM) has a mission to educate and train students who are traditionally underrepresented in medicine to practice primary care in medically underserved communities in New York. This manuscript documents the experience of the CSOM in expanding global health education by introducing a new global health cancer training program, partnering with clinicians at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Tanzania. This manuscript illustrates the following points: (1) the CSOM curriculum that focuses on community health and social medicine; (2) the process by which students learn by developing research proposals for global cancer; (3) the field research experience and lessons learned; (4) learning about cancer and medicine in a developing country; and (5) lessons learned for translation from global to domestic underserved populations. We also suggest a checklist for future students interested in pursuing global cancer education and research, and recommendations for maximizing learning and career development of students interested in global cancer research and its application to underserved populations in the USA.

Evaluating the Experience of a Postgraduate and Faculty Study Tour Program in the Field of Mental Health: A Mixed-methods Study

“…On the personal front, their entire perspective changed, with respect to both their careers and roles as mental health professionals and their colleagues and teamwork. Similar experiences have been reflected by Shalan et al, 20 who described the experience of medical students from America who went on a study tour to see the medical system in Tanzania firsthand. This greatly enhanced their knowledge and was reflected in their future practices.…”