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Global Health Education: Special Studies Module on Global Health and Development
In 2002, in collaboration with the University of Leicester's medical school, Skillshare International developed the Health and Development Special Study Module. The course aims to develop students' understanding of issues around health and international development.
In Leicester, the module is led by Dr Adrian Hastings, Senior Lecturer from the Medical School, and Skillshare International's Development Awareness Officer, Dr Raúl Pardíñaz-Solís. It also features guest speakers from academic staff and Skillshare International’s returned development workers. By discussing health care with professionals who have international experience, students are exposed to a wider global perspective of health care services. This raises their awareness of development issues.
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Since 2002, 84 students have enrolled in the module, some of them European students and a few from developing countries. The module evaluations show that the students' understanding of development and its impact on health issues has expanded. They have a better understanding of the contribution that NGOs and development workers make to developing countries with the lowest level of human development. A questionnaire is used each year to assess the change in students' attiudes towards development and health.
In 2006, we are working with Nottingham University's medical school to deliver the SSM.
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What the students say...
“It has challenged me in a number of ways. It has challenged my views on the way the West actually interacts with developing countries – I am more inclined now to believe the West holds developing countries in poverty rather than what I used to believe which was that we are quite sympathetic towards their needs. It was also challenged my attitudes towards development work – there are many arguments against development work and through hearing about these I feel I now have a more rounded opinion and feel more able to make a decision about whether I might like to do development work in the future”. SSM student 2003 |
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“Before the course started I knew nothing about health issues in developing countries. The Health and Development Special Study Module has made me realise the problems people face. I’ve always wanted to work in Africa and the Module has reinforced my desire to do so”
SSM student 2002
Special Studies Module on Global Health and Development expands to Nottingham
Skillshare International's module on Global Health and Development will be offered to 3rd and 4th year medical students in Nottingham for the first time from the end of August 2006. Learning from our innovative partnership with Leicester medical school, we have developed a new partnership with the medical school in Nottingham. Dr Ann Bridgewater from the medical school and Skillshare International's Dr Raúl Pardiñaz-Solis will coordinate the module.
For more information on the SSM, please contact Raúl Pardiñaz-Solis. |
