Time Schedule:
Suzinne Pak-Gorstein
G H 571
Seattle Campus
An interdisciplinary case-based forum of presentations by local and international lecturers and class discussions on realities of providing healthcare in low-income settings. Covers issues in prevention, socioeconomic underpinnings, management of medical and surgical conditions, and sustainable strategies to build capacity. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: W.
Class description
This course will provide an interdisciplinary case-based forum of presentations by local and international guest lecturers and class discussion to highlight the realities and ethical considerations of providing effective healthcare in a variety of global low-income settings. The talks will be given by expert speakers from diverse disciplines including rehabilitation, nursing, medicine, surgery and dentistry.
Student learning goals
Compare systems of health care delivery in low-income countries and the roles of health care providers at different levels of care including hospitals, clinics, and the community.
Describe the global trends and epidemiology of major causes of mortality and morbidity with relationship to basic population-based social and economic indicators. Special emphasis will be placed on conditions that are non-acute, non-infectious disease based, such as traumatic injuries, surgical conditions, chronic disease, and malnutrition.
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of interdisciplinary strategies to manage and prevent major medical and surgical conditions in a variety of low-resource settings.
Explain key components of efforts that provide sustainable improvements in health and healthcare capacity in low-income countries.
Critically review the history and current role of US-based efforts to provide medical and surgical support to low-income countries.
Summarize practical aspects of conducting effective, ethically-minded, and sustainable clinical work in resource-poor settings.
General method of instruction
Each lecture will be organized and structured in a case-based format covering salient issues in prevention, socioeconomic underpinnings, diagnosis, and management of medical and surgical conditions in resource-limited settings; and sustainable strategies to strengthen existing capacity for addressing these conditions within low-income countries. Complementary reading materials will be provided by the session speakers prior to each session.
Recommended preparation
Graduate student A few undergrads may register for the class with instructor permission. Please contact the instructor or TA for further informatino.
Class assignments and grading
Class participation, Readings, Final paper/presentation.
