Global Perspectives in Healthcare

Catalog description

This course provides an opportunity for health science students to study and experience global health issues by participating in an international Spring Break field experience in Geneva, Switzerland and Germany. Like Pittsburgh, Geneva and Berlin face social and scientific barriers to providing optimal healthcare to persons who are typically underserved or otherwise marginalized, i.e. individuals with physical, behavioral or intellectual disabilities, the homeless, and people challenged by substance use. This experience is intended to give students the opportunity to 1) understand the culture and contemporary health care issues of International health systems, 2) illustrate the role or potential role of health science professionals in contributing to the health and wellbeing of the population and 3) reflect on their personal growth and on the sustainability of their service and 4) appreciate the global scale efforts that are designed to minimize health disparities. In addition, the students will have the opportunity to expand and apply their respective professional knowledge in a diverse culture and further enhance their cultural competency skills, via cultural immersion and by learning more about humanitarian and authoritative organizations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organizaton, the High Commission for Refugees and the International Red Cross.