Description

The Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine in La Paz program offers a holistic learning experience, which includes unique clinical rotations serving children and families, medical and conversational Spanish classes, and a home stay with a local family in La Paz.

Today La Paz is a vibrant city, growing and expanding in all directions. Although vibrant and growing, the city is rife with poverty, malnutrition, and poor sanitation. Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and is home to a large population of children without access to adequate healthcare. Many of them are street and working children who struggle to survive on the streets, as well as children of desperately poor families in which all members must contribute to meet basic survival needs.

Students will be immersed in the region's language and culture while participating in La Paz's healthcare system. Although students will be working with children for the most part, they will have the opportunity to see or participate in public health work addressing other aspects of poverty as well.

Highlights

Clinical Rotations:
CFHI's rotations are designed to offer you clinical and observational experiences relevant to your level of medical education. The program includes the following educational aspects:

* Pre-trip orientation materials
* Web conference opportunities
* Orientation upon arrival, including cultural adjustment exercises
* Weekly meetings with Medical Director and Local Coordinator
* Clinical rotations Monday-Friday, working with a local physician who has opted to participate in CFHI as a teaching preceptor
* Information sessions that highlight the health care system in that country, common cases you will encounter and other site-specific information
* Post-trip debrief materials & other on-going alumni activities/services

Qualifications

This program is open to participants who are 20 or over at the time of participation.We accept students of all nationalities with interest in international health and relevant educational background. Participants may be any of the following:
* Medical Residents, MD & DO
* Medical Students, MD & DO 1-2
* Medical Students, MD & DO 3-4
* Pre-Medical Students
* Post-bacc pre-medical students
* Gap year pre-medical students
* Graduate nursing students
* Nursing Students
* MPH Students
* Physicians Assistants Students
* Naturopathic students
* Those with anthropological interest in traditional medicine and cultures

If you do not fit into one of these categories, please contact us to see if you would be eligible to apply.

What are the objectives of the program?
CFHI's Global Health Service-Learning Programs help participants:

* Develop a larger sense of cultural competency
* Observe and develop existing clinical skills
* Broaden public health knowledge
* Develop creativity in problem-solving
* Deepen their commitment to service

Intern Types

• Health Sciences
• Medicine
• Nursing

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Subject Areas

• Culture
• Health Sciences
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Pre-med
• Public Health

Cost in US$:

Approx USD 2,500 for 4 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Medical insurance
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

20 and over

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 2-4

Scholarships are Available

As available-- see our website for details.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Child Family Health International's Mission Statement

Child Family Health International (CFHI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that conducts socially responsible global health service-learning programs for medical, pre-medical, nursing, PA, MPH, and other health science students. CFHI's 20+ programs in 5 countries connect students with local health professionals -transforming perspectives about self, global health and healing. CFHI supports local communities worldwide through these global health education programs, medical supply donations, as well as other community initiatives. CFHI is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the ECOSOC of the United Nations.

Year Founded

1992