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Electives - Emergency Medicine
SLC-Guatemala - Service, Language, Culture in the Highlands of Guatemala Elective Number: 1309 (International) **Counts as Global Health Credit** Rotation Supervisors: Dr. David Burt SLC In-country coordinator: Ms. Jessica Ohana Gonzalez Designated signer: Travis Harris 982-1800; tth7d@virginia.edu; ER Administrative Offices 2nd floor West Complex; or Penny Carlisle 924-8488; pc6yj@virginia.edu Evaluation: will be completed by Dr. Burt with input from in-country attending Prerequisites: The SLC-Guatemala elective application process consists of several stages. First, the applicant completes a short application form and then has an interview with Dr. Burt. This is followed by a phone interview with the SLC in-country coordinator in Guatemala. This multi-stage process insures that all questions are answered, that requirements for volunteering are met and that the elective structure is understood by all parties involved. Every effort is made to customize the elective experience for each participant, yet provide clear direction and expectations. At least a month prior to beginning the rotation complete the Elective requirements on the Forms page. Available: all Rotations Duration: 6 weeks minimum; 8 weeks maximum Time to Report: TBA Place to Report: TBA Typical day: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Attendance: Attendance at elective activities is mandatory.
Number of students per rotation: 8 Course Description: SLC-Guatemala is a unique program developed to offer the opportunity to combine medically-related service, Spanish language immersion training and an introduction to Guatemalan culture. It is offered in partnership with participating Guatemala-based organizations. The goal is to facilitate development of sustainable, long-term relationships of benefit to all parties, in particular the indigenous cultures of Guatemala. 4 phases:
Phase 1: (UVA) Interested students apply for the elective. If accepted, they are required to meet with the elective supervisor for initial debriefing. Prior to departure they will be expected to read selected information and articles on Guatemala and its people and discuss their thoughts in an essay. During this time, participants will choose a Spanish immersion school, a Phase III service site and complete UVA requirements for International travel. Phase 2: (Quetzaltenango, Guatemala) Students arrive in Guatemala City and will utilize prearranged transport to the city Quetaltenago (Xela is the indigenous language name), which is several hours from Guatemala City. This is the base for initial Spanish immersion training and an introduction to Guatemala. Students will have the option to attend one of several schools, depending on their individual preferences. During their time in Xela, students will meet with the SLC-Guatemala in-country coordinator, who will be available to help them during their time in Guatemala and who will also continue their orientation. For approximately two weeks (depending on an individual's initial fluency) the students will attend immersion school, focus on acquisition of basic Spanish language skills. Most schools provide 5 hours of immersion Spanish instruction daily as well as cultural activities. In addition, SLC-Guatemala students also will receive additional medical vocabulary training and an introduction to Guatemalan medicine and health. Housing arrangements and food are provided by all schools. Internet cafes and inexpensive cell phone coverage to the US are available. For the length of their rotation, students will be expected to purchase/rent a cell phone and make that number available to UVA, as well as our in-country coordinator. Phase 3: (various sites within the highlands of Guatemala) During their final weeks in Guatemala, students will travel to various sites witin the Guatemalan highlands for health-related service, instruction and training. Students will be matched to a site on a case-by-case basis. Sites vary in exact setup and structure, but all have the following in common:
During this latter period, the majority of UVA students will work under the supervision of Guatemalan and US visiting physician and/or health care workers. They will deliver hospital and clinic-based medical care to indigenous Mayan populations. Other students will be working on community health-related projects. Emphasis on intercultural interaction and long-term partnership formulation will continue. Phase 4: (UVA) Students will return to Charlottesville upon completion of their elective, where they will have a collective debriefing to discuss thei time in Guatemala. They will also have the opportunity to review their final evaluations, offer input on their experiences and provide suggestions for improvement. A final essay exam (based on their individual experiences) will also be completed. Costs per student (approximate - varies per length of stay, site placement, additional travel etc.) are $1900 - $2200
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