Information on the 2010 summer program will be posted shortly.

Seminar Description
This unique service-learning seminar will provide students with a deep understanding of the social, economic, and cultural factors impacting the health of Mexicans and Mexican immigrants to the United States.  Students will also broaden public health knowledge, increase linguistic competency in Spanish, and gain exposure to health care systems and clinical interactions in another culture.  The seminar will incorporate both opportunities for close observation of clinicians at work in community health settings in Oaxaca, and service with local community health organizations.  Structured reflection sessions will support students in integrating their studies with their clinical observations and service work.

The on-site program in Oaxaca combines classroom study and discussion with cultural immersion, language training, clinical rotations, and community service.  Upon completion of this program, students are able to:

• Describe the Mexican healthcare system, including governmental and nongovernmental programs and other community assets that aim to improve the health for those most in need;
• Identify cultural, socioeconomic and educational factors that impact the health of Mexicans and Mexican immigrants to the United States;
• Complete patient histories in Spanish; and
• Incorporate an understanding of Mexican cultural and health beliefs to better serve the needs of the immigrant Latino community in the U.S.

All student participants will be required to take a pre-trip spring quarter course, MED 259: Oaxacan Health on Both Sides of the Border (see “Prerequisites,” below).  At the completion of the summer program, each will submit a final written assignment integrating knowledge and experiences acquired through both the Spring quarter course and the Oaxaca-based seminar.  In preparation for return to the U.S., students will be strongly encouraged and supported in applying their new skills and knowledge on behalf of the large and underserved Bay Area Latino immigrant population.  A fall quarter group meeting will serve to further debrief and integrate experiences on both sides of the border.

Each week of the onsite program will include the following:

• 6-8 hours of classroom instruction and discussion
• 6-8 hours of Spanish language instruction
• 12-15 hours of clinical rotations through local community health centers and hospitals
• 4 hours of community service in one of several partnering community health organizations
• Select cultural events and educational trips

Seminar Location
The southern Mexican city of Oaxaca sits nearly a mile above sea level at the intersection of three central valleys.   It is a truly unique colonial city, steeped in history and tradition.  Sixteen distinct ethnic groups enrich the local culture with diverse crafts, cuisine and celebration.  The intersection of different cultures and healthcare practices creates a rich learning environment. 

Oaxaca is also one of the poorest states in the country, and many of its inhabitants have limited access to even rudimentary health care services.   Migration from Oaxaca to California has increased in recent years making it an ideal community for study of the impact of migration on health.

Students in this seminar will observe the Mexican healthcare system and clinical interactions in a range of public and private health care settings.  They will visit traditional medicine practitioners and have the chance to work with non-governmental agencies working to address community health needs.  Through partnerships with Child Family Health International and the Becari Language School, students are placed in homestays close to the historical city center and enjoy top-quality Spanish language instruction.

Faculty Description
Dr. Gabriel Garcia, Professor of Medicine, and Associate Dean of Admissions at Stanford School of Medicine, also serves as Faculty Director of the Haas Center for Public Service.  He grew up in Puerto Rico with an immigrant family from Cuba.  A hepatologist and clinical researcher by training, he has taught a Stanford Introductory Seminar entitled The Human Side of Medicine, currently teaches a year-long service-learning course entitled Patient Advocacy in Community Clinics, and participated as faculty advisor for two Alternative Spring Break trips on Health Care for Marginalized Communities in the Central Valley.

Ann Banchoff, MSW, MPH, has lived in Mexico and worked extensively with the immigrant Latino community in the Bay Area.  She co-founded the School of Medicine’s Office of Community Health in 2005 and continues to serve as its Program Director.  Together with Dr. Garcia, she teaches two courses on patient advocacy for undergraduates, and has helped to establish a core curriculum in population health for all medical students.  More at http://och.stanford.edu.

Prerequisites
Selected seminar participants are required to enroll during Spring Quarter in MED 259: Oaxacan Health on Both Sides of the Border.  The pre-trip course will prepare students for the summer program through the study of Oaxacan history, culture, politics, community leadership and health practices.  We will also look at the unique nature of Oaxacan migration and the health challenges that migrants face on both sides of the border.   The course also provides students with the knowledge and insight to make connections between their experiences in Mexico and their health-related work with Bay Area members of the Mexican transborder community. 

Preference will be given to students with a strong interest in and commitment to community health, and in particular to improving the health of immigrant Latino populations.  In order to get the most out of the community-engagement portion of the seminar, students should also have a strong working knowledge of Spanish.
 
Language of Instruction
While a certain amount of the class time will be in English, some of the lectures and presentations will be given in Spanish.  In the classroom we can provide translation assistance, and the Spanish language instruction incorporated into the program will help in building skills onsite.  However, in clinical and community-based settings students will be hearing Spanish, and will get the most of the program if they have a comfortable level of Spanish proficiency before coming.

Tentative Seminar Dates
*Please note:  This is a 4-week seminar

• Arrival:                                               Saturday, July 25th
• Orientation:                                         Sunday, July 26th
• Class and community-based work:        Monday, July 27th – Friday August  21st
• Departure:                                          Saturday, August 22nd

Questions?

Please address questions to Ann Banchoff at the Office of Community Health: Banchoff@stanford.edu.

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