Originally formed in 2016, the innovative partnership between UNMC and the University of Anahuac in Veracruz, Mexico, marked its ninth year with a major milestone.
This July, the two universities launched the International Academic Observership in Family Medicine, welcoming the inaugural cohort of four University of Anahuac students. This one-month program was supported by a generous donation from a private donor.
Jeffrey Harrison, MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Family Medicine and the Milton G. Waldbaum, MD, Professor of Family Practice, said the first group of University of Anahuac students participating in the observership was phenomenal.
“It was exciting to witness how their knowledge of family medicine and research skills increased during the time they were here,” Dr. Harrison said.
The UNMC Department of Family Medicine and UNMC Office of Global Engagement teamed up to design an experience to immerse the students in the U.S. health care system, American culture and the healthcare perspectives of the Hispanic community in Omaha. Before their departure, students developed a project to be presented at the fall University of Anahuac Health Conference.
Participant Rommina Durante San Román said the four-week academic rotation gave the group an opportunity to observe the work of clinical departments such as family medicine, neurology and emergency care, as well as attend several public health classes. Durante San Román said the experience allowed them to broaden their perspective on the U.S. health care system and its differences from the Mexican model.
“We also had the chance to visit community clinics like ‘One World’ and participate in various activities at the Mexican Consulate, including giving educational talks on two extremely important topics: hypertension and diabetes mellitus,” Durante San Román said. “It was one of the best professional and cultural experiences I’ve ever had.”
Participant Tito Abuid Castro Candia said, “Everything I learned has given me insight into the same reality experienced globally, and it’s incredible how much awareness can be generated through direct exposure to social and community issues — just as the UNMC program provides.”
“We were very excited to host the first cohort of students on campus,” Jane Meza, PhD, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs, said. “This success will pave the way for more collaborations with the University of Anahuac, our long-time partner.”