Physicians across the United States will have the chance to explore the Cuban health care system and delivery models this fall, when the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Institute for Global Health host the first, on-the-ground, continuing medical education program.
The Cuban government spends significantly less than the U.S. on health care, yet it is a global leader in several areas, including obstetrics, primary care, disease prevention and health promotion.
From Oct. 5 to 14, the program will give up to 20 participants the chance to explore the island nation’s health systems. They’ll learn about how medical services are provided, meet with physicians and other health care professionals, and visit Calixto Garcia Hospital, the nation’s main trauma hospital.
“The primary goal of this one-week course is to introduce U.S. physicians to Cuba’s health care system, including the public health and community medicine model by onsite observation of the delivery of community health clinics, maternal health, pediatric care and geriatric care,” said Gary Willyerd, course director and assistant dean for the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Detroit Medical Center. “There will be lectures and presentations by Cuban health care officials and clinicians.”
The program is open to M.D.s and D.O.s and their spouses or partners. The cost is $5,000 per participant and $4,200 for guests.
The application deadline is July 15.
For more information, call the Institute for Global Health at (517) 884-3789.