International Electives
Green Sheet (PDF)
2nd Year Officers
Gehres Paschal
1st Year Officers
Jessica DeJarnette
Migrant Clinic
Jeffrey Goldberg
Fundraising
International Elective
Kijabe, Kenya
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Course Description
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Within a cross-cultural, multi-language environment, improve history taking and physical diagnosis skills in a problem-oriented approach, appreciate the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity in the history and physical exam process.
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Recognize and understand the impact of many determinants on the health of population, including: inadequate nutrition, extreme poverty, education, politics, religion, tradition, culture, and access to health service. Integrate
these many factors into a comprehensive health care plan. -
Foster the ability to identify acutely ill patients and respond quickly and appropriately to their need with coordinated triage, initial assessment, and the development of treatment plan, prioritizing the most critical needs.
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Improve technical and procedural skill, including (but not limited to) intravenous access, airway management, gastric lavage, electrocardiography, physician performed laboratory tests (urinalysis, hematocrit, and microscopy) and lumbar puncture.
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Recognize the universal importance of health services of disease prevention, health promotion, sanitation, and nutrition.
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In a caring manner establish rapport and communicate with patients who do not speak English as a primary language.
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Initiate patient care in an orderly and appropriate manner, considering the proper use, limitations, risks, and benefits of therapeutic regimens.
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Increase knowledge and abilities in test ordering to provide maximal useful information with minimal risk and expense. Correctly interpret the results of diagnostic tests in light of the patient’s condition.
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Document medical care, including initial history and physical exam, differential diagnosis, treatment plans, and follow-up progress notes, in a written format that is clear, concise and internally consistent.
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Recognize that medical care will not be readily available to many in the surrounding community and that many patients will travel great distances to obtain needed care. Integrate this concept into continuing health plans.
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Recognize the moral, ethical, legal, social, and economic issues associated with practicing medicine within another culture and country.
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Develop increasing confidence, through applied patient-oriented experience in the management of patients with severe health problems.
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Understand and appreciate the critical importance of epidemiology in the planning and the prioritizing of health services in settings with limited resources.
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Recognize the significant differences in disease prevalence that exist in third-world countries.
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Recognize the importance if alternative or traditional medicine on attitudes and behavior towards health in any society or culture.
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Benefit from personal interaction with health care workers and health professionals who have lived and worked in a variety of countries, backgrounds, and cultures.
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Increase motivation to advocate for efforts of international organizations, the U.S. government, and non-governmental organizations to increase support of realistic and effective efforts to improve the health of the people of the developing world.
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Stimulate motivation to expand and optimize international electives within medical education.
| Faculty/Contact: | Dr. Bruce M. Dahlman |
| Address: | Kijabe Hospital P. O. Box 20 Kijabe, Kenya |
| Phone: | (254) 154-6466 |
| Fax: | Not available |
| Email: | MedEdDirector_AIM-KMC@aimint.org |
| Previous students: | Allan Gilmer—November 2001 |
Please contact the Department of Emergency Medicine for more information on how to receive credit for this elective.