In March, a group of eight physician assistant (PA) students, along with three dedicated faculty members and healthcare professionals, ventured on an enlightening journey to Guatemala. The Guatemala International elective is meticulously crafted to enrich PA students with clinical experiences, proficient medical Spanish, and cultural immersion, all essential for their growth both personally and professionally.
Eight PA students embarked on an immersive journey to Guatemala in March, participating in medical Spanish training and rural clinical experiences. They engaged with local health promoters to deliver care, learned about social health determinants, and explored cultural heritage through projects and excursions, enriching their professional development and community health awareness.
The Guatemala International rotation significantly enhances PA students’ clinical abilities and cultural competence, making them better equipped to tackle the multifaceted challenges of healthcare. This experience nurtures a profound respect for community health initiatives and deepens their understanding of the social determinants shaping health outcomes in various populations.
This transformative elective provides PA students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with healthcare challenges and cultural contexts in Guatemala, enhancing their medical training and community involvement. Through hands-on clinical experiences and language training, students gain insights into the complexities of healthcare delivery in diverse populations.
Original Source: medicine.utah.edu
