Mercer SOM Inter-disciplinary Service Learning Model William F. Bina MD, MPH, Dean, Mercer University School of Medicine Gayle L. Bina, M.S. Assistant Professor, Community Medicine Assistant Director International Medical Programs
2 Activity Disclaimer ACTIVITY DISCLAIMER It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest (COI), and if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity. William F. Bina MD, MPH, and Gayle L. Bina, M.S. have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Mercer School of Medicine Today Located on three campuses in Georgia Savannah Columbus Macon
Mercer On Mission is a unique blend of study abroad and service-learning that provides life-changing experiences for students through academic instruction, cultural immersion, meaningful service, and spiritual reflection.
Goal: To equip the community responsive health professional with the knowledge, skills, experience, and cultural understanding to meet the changing health care needs of the people of Georgia, United States, and the World
5 Weeks Two Academic Courses Students – Medical (4 weeks) – Pharmacy – Senior Nursing – Undergraduate re-health Major – Faculty: Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy
Mercer on Mission 2015 Team Honduras
Mercer on Mission 2015 Health Care Team Cambodia
Always Under Faculty Supervision
Understand Low Resource Settings and Social Determinants of Health Learn importance of partnerships with local authorities and supporters Develop and understand referral sources Learn the challenges and the skill of working with medical interpreters Become more aware of social health challenges in their own communities Understand importance of Cultural Competency
Cultural Understanding and Ethical Dilemmas
See conditions never seen before and may never see again. They also see a lot of the usual things.
Dr. Ali Spinner, 4 th year ENT Resident, Las Vegas. Nevada
Outcomes Develop Clinical Skills without reliance on technology – “I also learned once again the importance of a solid history and physical exam. A resource poor setting really forced me to go back to the basics. …I feel this experience will make me a much stronger clinician” Valerie Sands, MS III
”I was always interested in medical missions and had done a lot of trips to central America so was thrilled to experience medical missions in an Asian country – Cambodia. Not only did I love serving the people there but also learned a lot about myself during the trip. After returning, I decided to change from OB/GYN tract to Pediatrics which is what I am doing today! I loved the primary care setting during the trip and also loved working with the children there!” Dr. Jennifer Bostrand Harling, Pediatrician, Pediatric Urgent Care, Anderson, SC Mercer on Mission 2011