Aligning Efforts for Health: Collaborative Models in West Africa

Catalog description

This course provides students with a theoretical basis and foundation for participation in a Faculty Led Program Abroad related to collaborative practice and community engagement in West Africa. Students will explore their understanding of sustainable approaches to global health initiatives that impact healthcare delivery and access in West Africa. Topics include sustainable global partnerships, clean water resources, common health metrics for measurement of health and disease, cultural approaches to health, environmental health, and health care access. The course culminates with a ten-day immersion experience in Western Africa. During this trip student will interact with West Africa hospital administrators, physicians, nurses, students, educators, patients, families, and community leaders to gain insight on the challenges of and required knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for collaborative and sustainable global partnerships. Student will be expected to compare and contrast their previous understanding of healthcare systems and public health initiatives to experiences in West Africa. Knowledge gained will be applied to their own future collaborative practice and community engagement. P: To participate in this course, students are required to be working toward a health professions major.