Health Field Studies
The Health Field Studies program is a collaboration with US universities, hospitals, medical and dental practitioners. The Mission enables students, preceptors and professionals to practice and teach the disciplines of dentistry, nursing and public health to people in the mountain villages surrounding the town of Luperon on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Volunteer participants work directly with villagers and first responders known as Healers, practicing and teaching skills that will improve the health of the population long after participants return home.
Objectives of the Program
All US participants will take part in a cultural immersion; practicing and teaching dental and preventative health practices, health screening, and counseling in the village communities and homes. In addition, students will:
o Develop knowledge of a particular culture and how this influences beliefs and health behaviors
o Apply and teach assessment and care skills to peoples of a different culture
o Develop knowledge and respect for cultural and ethnic diversity
o Collaborate with a health care team
o Reflect on the cultural experience.
Typical Schedule
The week-long program is designed to practice and teach dental, preventative, and public health practices to the villagers and Healers in a culturally-relevant context; within the village community and the villagers’ homes. The typical program will include the following schedule:
Day 1 Travel to the DR, orientation
Day 2 Instruction of Healers/Prep for Health Fair
Day 3 Health Fair in conjunction with village street carnival
Day 4 Cultural activity (beach, local market shopping, etc.)
Day 5 In-home visits with Healers
Day 6 Optional cultural activity or participation in a house building.
Day 7 Community health fair
Day 8 In-home visits, Healers’ graduation ceremony
2010 Curriculum
Students and medical professionals will prepare and deliver to villagers and Healers instruction in skills and practices of nursing in the areas of:
o Hypertension
o Diabetes
o Stress and Coping
o Pediatrics
Please follow the link or click to download the Health Field Studies Packet.
For Further Information:
Contact: Charlotte Souers
Contact souers@verizon.net.
