The purpose of the program is three pronged; (1) to expose medical students and residents to the health care delivery model of San Vito county, (2) to facilitate learning about tropical diseases where they occur, that is in the midst of a third world country; and (3) to immerse the students in an intensive course of the Spanish language.  All participants will be placed under the supervision of a Medical Doctor and the evaluations will be done in accordance with the procedures required by the alma matter of each participant.

The County of San Vito is located at the border with Panama and includes one of the largest and most interesting Botanical Gardens in the world.  The rainforest houses unusual plants and species; but the poverty that affects many of the agricultural workers and indigenous populations exposes them to diseases that are rarely seen in the urban areas and in more developed societies.

Every year, during the harvesting season, there is an influx of Panamanian agricultural workers, most of them indigenous. Students will learn the intricacies of coordinating health activities with another sovereign nation with a different health care system. 

Sample Itinerary

1. Week 1:
      Day 1
           7: 30 am Welcome
           8: 30 am Visit to Hospital and introductiont staff
           9: 30 am Break
         10: 00 am Lecture about the Tropics
         11: 30 am Lunch
           1: 00 - 4: 00 p.m. Lecture health system in Costa Rica.

 2. Week 2: 
       Visits to patients in a house to house program in San Vito county.
       Allows the student to see a new program of attention and gives opportunity to
       see different kind of patients.

 3. Week  3:
       Visit and work in the Guaymy Indian Reservation and work in local clinic.

 4. Week 4:
       Day 1: La Lucha Community Service.
      
       Day 2: Sabalito, work in local clinic.
      
       Day 3: San Luis de Changuina (2 hours horse ride to local clinic.)        
         
       Day 4: Aguas Calientes, Community service. 

• Housing: Students stay at the home of Dr. Pablo Ortiz
• Spanish lessons
• Breakfast and Dinner
• Field trips

Jefferson Student Reports - Tropical Medicine Elective