FMP 5022

Cervicusco, Peru--International

Women's Healthcare

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FMP 5022                   Cervicusco, Peru--International Women's Healthcare
                                  (Special Elective)
 
Location:                    CerviCusco, Cusco, Peru

Prerequisites:              Phase 3 Core Curriculum, to maximize the clinical experience, however, the elective                                   may be selected at any time

Duration:                     1 month

Months Offered:          July-June

Goals:             
The goal of this elective is to provide an international women’s health experience at a clinic that focuses on cervical cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Objectives:
The student will be able to:

• Collect basic cervical cancer screening tests
• Perform focused gynecologic examinations
• Conduct a colposcopic examination of the lower genital tract with assistance
• Discuss management strategies for women with lower genital tract  neoplasias
• Perform simple office-based laboratory tests
• Develop and improve Spanish language skills
• Interact with a Peruvian health care team

Activities:        
Students will help provide patient care to impoverished indigenous women living in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The clinic, CerviCusco, is located in Cusco, Peru once the capital of the Inca Empire. CerviCusco operates as a Peruvian registered non government organization (NGO). The clinic will operate from approximately 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday through Friday. Students will be supervised by a Peruvian physician employed by CerviCusco and also by MCG faculty when available. Optional rural clinical experiences will be available during certain times of the year. A hospital experience may also be arranged for interested students. Students will be assigned reading material and undergo a written examination at the completion of the course. Students will also be required to submit a brief “impact” report describing the essence of the international experience.  The cost of travel, housing, meals, vaccinations, medical evacuation insurance will be assumed by the student.

Lecture Hrs:
Clinic Hrs: 30 hours/week @ CerviCusco        
Lab Hrs:        
Clinic Hrs:     
Seminar Hrs:
Other: 10 hours/wk other clinical sites and/or self learning program           

Assessment:

• Based on: a) an evaluation by the Peruvian medical staff; b) results of post course examination and c) impact report

For additional information, contact:
Daron Ferris, MD, Departments of Family Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology at MCG extension 2535.

(Participation in this elective must be approved by the Department of Family Medicine, MCG.  Contact the Medical Student Coordinator, ext 1-4075.)