Guatemala
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Elective in Antigua, Guatemala
The 5-week Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience involves participation in ambulatory care clinics in Antigua, Guatemala. We have a focus on public health education and outreach through setting up instant clinics in rural mountain towns near Antigua. With this medical mission, SIUE partners with Saint Louis University School of Medicine physicians, medical students, and local Guatemalan healthcare providers. Students prepare by taking a medical Spanish elective (PHEL 784) in the fall of their P3 year and by taking intensive medical Spanish tutoring prior to travel to increase language and cultural proficiency.
"Students have an amazing opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture, to learn to speak or improve upon a foreign language and to have interesting experiences in what is a truly unique rotation. Students should be adventurous and explore everything Guatemala has to offer."
- Thomas Kelly, Class of 2017
Students work in clinics continually run by Guatemalan providers trained in primary care services, community outreach, and education. Clinical duties include interdisciplinary ambulatory care assessment and treatment, medication selection, dispensing, counseling, and disease prevention education. In addition to clinical practice, students gain experience in cultural competence, proficiency in medical Spanish, health literacy, and health disparities. You can view the video from the 2015 trip here.
The average cost is $2000 per student, with an average of four fourth year students traveling annually, during the month of February. SIUE helps supplement up to $750 per student, but funds are limited. Pharmacists may volunteer to facilitate students' participation in Guatemala, donate supplies, or sponsor a student by making a gift to the "Pharmacy Global Education Experiences" fund.
Year implemented: Summer 2015
Faculty: Misty Gonzalez, Pharm.D., BCPP and Carrie Vogler, Pharm.D., BCPS
Contact: misgonz@siue.edu
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Make a Gift to the "Pharmacy Global Education Experiences" Fund
