The team DMU is assembling for a health service trip to the Central American nation of Honduras March 16-24 will wear multiple hats. To date, the group includes students from all three DMU colleges and five of its nine programs; four Drake University pharmacy students; two DMU alumni; two DMU faculty members and two Drake faculty members; residents from DMU and Mercy Medical Center; as well as a family practice physician, pediatrician, oral surgeon and social worker.
“This year’s trip is gearing up to be another outstanding experience in interprofessional education, just as last year’s was,” says Yogesh Shah, M.D., DMU’s associate dean of global health. “That experience is critical to students. Studies show that the best, most appropriate and responsible care for patients is delivered by health professionals working together.”
DMU’s first service trip to Honduras occurred in 2011; last year, the country welcomed the University’s largest-ever global health group, including 33 DMU students. Thanks to the leadership of Hiral Patel, D.O.’14, the University’s partner in country is Global Brigades, the world’s largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization.
Alumni make a powerful contribution by supervising DMU students on the University’s global health service trips. To learn more about this meaningful opportunity, contact Chris Catrenich at 515-271-1425.