Duration: June 15 - July 15, 2008

This one month course in July, intended for 10 to 15 pre-clinical medical, MPH and allied health students, is designed to introduce students to an innovative model of community-based health care that has been applied in countries around the globe. The course provides students with an exposure opportunity to a different approach to health care that is both holistic and integrated. Students must be fluent in English and have a genuine interest in learning about a health system that, unlike the Western biomedical model of predominantly curative/individualistic care, sees that the health of a person is determined not only by the incidence of disease, but importantly by factors such as the status of women, caste discrimination, socioeconomic development, and education. The well-being of a person's family and community are likewise among the most crucial elements in this perspective of health and healthcare.

This non-clinical course is intended to familiarize students with the Comprehensive Rural Health Project's holistic and integrated approach to health care, principles of community-based health and development, and fundamental concepts in primary health care. Through presentations and facilitated discussion students will learn about the common health problems and challenges faced in the developing world with possible solutions grounded in the CBHD framework. A wide variety of topics has been carefully selected and continuously refined based on current themes in global health and the interest of our students. In addition to classroom sessions, students will engage in village field visits and discussions with community group members and village health workers. There will also be some sessions on leadership and personal development. Interested students should send a completed application and a copy of their resume to Dr. Shobha Arole at crhp@jamkhed.org by May 15. Accepted students will be notified by June 1 or earlier, depending on when we receive the application. Fees for the course include accommodation, all meals, course fees, and transportation for local field visits. E-mail us for exact amount. Transportation to and from Jamkhed is not included. Land-only transfer from the airport can be arranged for a set fee. For more information see our FAQs page. Please direct any questions to Dr. Shobha Arole at crhp@jamkhed.org.

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Class of 2007

Student Comments:

"Coming to Jamkhed was such a breath of fresh air. As a healthcare provider-in-training, I was encouraged to be an optimistic problem solver here, something that is often overlooked in American medical institutions in favor of 'realistic solutions.' Why shouldn't we be idealistic? Furthermore, the CRHP Community-Based Health and Development Course gave me the renewed passion for medicine that I needed and confirmed for me that, with colleagues like those I found here at Jamkhed, medicine is where I belong and where I (and people like my classmates here) can make a difference."                                                                                             -Zoe Kiefer, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, NYC, USA
 

"CRHP and Jamkhed has greatly influenced my outlook on medicine and society. From the people, classes, villages, culture, and doctors, one realizes the basic foundation which many overlook: Health is a human right. It is fundamental and universal and should not be monopolized, like it is in many societies. At Jamkhed one learns the principles of this health right and sees it in action. One learns the humane side of medicine and observes great clinical work. Dr. Shobha Arole exemplifies hard work, dedication, modesty, and empathy everyday... It's reassuring to know that doctors like Dr. Shobha can practice the art of medicine, have such a positive impact, and experience such joy in their work."                                                                                          -David (Ozzie) Rahni, SUNY Downstate COM, NYC, USA

"CRHP, Jamkhed is a truly eye opening experience of what it means to be healthy. Even if you have no interest in rural medicine, learning from CRHP may change your life if you seek to better your fellow man and woman."                                    -David Luo, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, NYC, USA

"The one month course has been very educative and enlightening. It gave us a clear idea of how to build a project such as CRHP and the struggles that go along with that... The classes, the field visits and all the things I learnt here have confused me, but in a good way. They made me think about my own attitude and what I want to achieve in life as a health professional. So far, I do not know exactly what I want to do, but I will be aware of the things I learnt here - about values and possibilities. Thank you for that!                                                                                                                                                                 -Rinske Hamers, University of Maastricht School of Medicine, Holland

"This experience has provided me with a very unique opportunity to study medicine and healthcare in a very different light. It has most definitely 'enlightened' me on the realities of healthcare, both in the developing as well as the developed world. It has also revealed to me the other aspect of healthcare, community-based healthcare, where doctors, villagers and the entire community participates together to bring about development and health. Most importantly, CRHP has taught me about the human aspect of healthcare where patients are not seen as numbers but as human beings - mind, body & spirit - all coming together to make up a very unique individual. The huge success of CRHP has really, really motivated and inspired me to continue to strive to achieve my dream of working in developing countries. It has instilled in me a desire to learn more about and strive to implement programs like this in other rural areas... I consider myself very privileged to have been a part of this adventure!!"                                -Alvina Arishma Singh