University/Organization
Health Science Dept. & Physician Assistant Dept.
Lock Haven University
Pennsylvania
Title
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH: COMBINING INTERNATIONAL SERVICE LEARNING AND RESEARCH IN THE HEALTH SCIENCES
Synopsis
This paper describes a short term study abroad program that incorporates service-learning, research and collaboration in the health sciences. Undergraduate health science and graduate physician assistant studies students operate a clinic in rural Jamaica. The undergraduate students take patient histories and record vital signs, in addition to implementing lessons on topics relevant to Jamaican health. The physician assistant students perform physical exams and biometric data is collected on each patient. The data is used to better understand the population that is being served and to make improvements on future service-learning programs within this community. Students and faculty leaders use the data to conduct meaningful research in their area of expertise.