Dates: Variable (2 to 4 wks) Updated!
Location of program: Quito, Ecuador

Partner Institution in host country:
Catholic University of Ecuador

Directors of the program:
Mario J. Grijalva, Ph.D. 333 Irvine Hall 3 2192 grijalva@ohio.edu
Drozek, David, D.O. 060 Grosvenor 3-2500 drozek@oucom.ohiou.edu

Requirements for admission to program:

• Completion of the 3rd year of Medical education or equivalent
• Intermediate Spanish Language knowledge (Translation service
  will be available if needed
• Approval by the program director
• Approval by the International Programs Office at OUCOM

Eligibility: This program is open to third and fourth year medical students, residents, practicing physicians, and for the surgical “brigade” other allied health care students and professionals. OUCOM students will receive four weeks of elective credit for participation in the program.

Requirements: Students accepted into the program will be required to participate in a short cross cultural / medical orientation program. Spanish language is necessary for the 4 week program, but not required for the one week surgical “brigade”. Participants need to be flexible in regards to, time, transportation, food and housing accommodations while in Ecuador

Academic Credit:
Advanced OUCOM medical students will receive 3 credits per week for elective clinical rotations (OCOM 891)

Housing and meal arrangements:
Students will be housed with host families chosen by the Catholic University Host Family Program. As part of this arrangement, the host family will provide two meals each day, one single occupancy room, and a bathroom that will be shared with no more that 2 other family members.
Host families will also provide laundry service to the students.
Students can elect to bring a packed lunch or to eat at the cafeteria of the participating hospital. Students will be responsible for their lodging and meals during any weekend trips.

Language requirements:
Completion of a Medical Spanish training program will be required for participation. Students will have to demonstrate an intermediate level of Spanish language proficiency. This will be assessed during a phone or personal interview with the program director.

This requirement can be waived at the discretion of the director contingent on agreement by the student to use a translator during activities that so require it. Translator will be provided at students expense (~$500 additional).

Pre departure orientation:
Students will receive one pre-departure orientation, conducted by the program directors. This 2-hour orientation will cover all basic information concerning
(1) safety when traveling abroad,
(2) logistics of the program,
(3) a detailed rotation schedule, and
(4) host family contact information.

Medical students will complete an online module on tropical diagnosis. Those students at the Athens campus will be required to attend Bobcats Abroad. All participants will receive a copy of the study abroad handbook.

Immediately upon arrival in Ecuador, personnel from Catholic University and the local coordinator will conduct an in-depth orientation regarding safety, logistics, culture, ground rules and specific information about the clinical rotations. In each clinical service, the faculty preceptor will conduct an orientation specific to its facilities, procedures, etc.

Post arrival activities:
OUCOM students are required to write a 5-page paper reflecting on their international experience.
A presentation will be arranged by participating students that will describe their activities in Ecuador. This presentation will be delivered to other students at their clinical sites and will be broadcast by videoconference to other medical students, OUCOM faculty and staff.

Research: Possible areas of research include coordination with the Tropical Disease Institute laboratory in Quito participating in Chagas disease research. Other possibilities exist in coordination with the medical school and public health system in Ecuador. Those interested in research need to soon begin to investigate the possibilities, and make preliminary contact with the CORE research office.

Estimated Student Expenses for 4 weeks: (subject to change)

• Billed by OU
  • Program Fee:  $1,800.00
  • Administrative Fee:  $150.00
• Total Billed by OU $1,950.00
   
• Out of Pocket Expenses
  • Passport and Photos $107.00
  • Immunizations $300.00
  • Exit Tax $40.00
  • Airfare $700.00
  • Food not covered by program fee $300.00
  • Student ID Card $22.00
  • Personal/Incidentals $200.00
• Total Out-of-Pocket Expenses $1,669.00]

Total Estimated Cost $3,619.00

• Translator (optional) $500.00

Application Deadline: February 15, 2012. Applicants will be reviewed as soon as the application is complete, and notified soon afterwards of the decision regarding acceptance. For the application process, contact Dr Grijalva

 Student rotations also need to be arranged through their appropriate CORE office, which may have an earlier deadline.

OUCOM recognizes that much of the humanitarian medical effort in the world is done via faith based organizations. PUCE, our host organization in Ecuador, is Roman Catholic institution that views health care for the poor as part of its mission. OUCOM does not endorse or support any particular faith or religion, but shares a concern for the poor, and is thus collaborating with faith based organizations to provide health care to those in need. Students involved in programs with PUCE may observe religious activity in process as part of the entire program of PUCE. Students are not required to participate in any religious activity, but are free to do so if they desire. If providing medical care in this setting is potentially offensive for those considering the program, they should consider an alternative.