2009 Elective Programme
2009 Elective Programme in Cienfuegos
IMPORTANT NOTICE
As of 1st April 2009, we have had so many applications that we have had to close the elective programme until further notice. Those who have already applied will have their application processed but we are sorry we cannot accept any further applications for the time being. We will post any change in this position as soon as it happens. IISC management
INTRODUCTION
IISC has worked with the director and staff of Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Provincial Teaching Hospital in Cienfuegos to set up a new elective programme for 2009.
Cienfuegos is a small seaport city on the southern coast of Cuba, on the Bahia (bay) de Cienfuegos, 155 miles from Havana. It is the capital of the province of Cienfuegos. It has a population of around 160,000. The city centre’s fine colonial architecture has UNESCO heritage status. Sugarcane is the main crop of the area around Cienfuegos. Coffee and tobacco are also grown. The city acquired its name, which means ‘a hundred fires’ in Spanish, from a Spanish general.
THE HOSPITAL
Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Provincial Teaching Hospital in Cienfuegos has about 640 beds and a staff of around 300 doctors and 500 nurses. It is the referral hospital for the province, and a teaching hospital. Like all Cuban hospitals, it takes students from poor backgrounds all over the world.
The Cuban medical school curriculum has been very carefully considered and teaching is well structured. All students are taught to make a triple diagnosis: physical, psychological and social, and to plan management on that basis. There is plenty of hands-on experience. Most Cuban doctors speak some English, but few patients do, and the more Spanish you speak the more rewarding your stay will be.
The director of the hospital is Dr Pedro Ordúñez. He is also Associate Professor at the National School of Public Health in Havana and chronic disease consultant for the Pan American Health Organisation. His particular interest is cardiovascular disease and its prevention, and he has published papers and reviews on this topic and on health care in Cuba in general. He has hosted occasional UK elective students before and they have spoken very highly of their experience. He is working with IISC to set up the elective programme and is very keen that students should gain the most out of their time in Cuba. He is aware that many UK students are looking for plenty of hands-on experience, and wants to structure elective students’ programmes round their experience and needs. If there are groups of around six students following the same programme, it is likely that an English-speaking teacher can be provided. Students may also be paired with an English-speaking overseas medical student, e.g. from South Africa.
The key to Cuba’s healthcare system is its family doctor service. We encourage all students to spend a part of their time in Cuba attached to primary care doctors, especially those who are thinking of becoming a GP or going into public health.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is either in a private home - a casa particular, providing breakfast and possibly evening meals- or a local tourist hotel near the beach. In July and August it may be possible to stay in a student hostel, which is cheaper, but both accommodation and food are on the basic side. In all cases, costs can be cut by sharing rooms.
The hospital hopes to be able to arrange transport for visits at weekends to such places as the Escambray Mountains, Trinidad (World Heritage village with fantastic colonial architecture), the Bay of Pigs, Santa Clara and Che Guevara’s memorial, and Havana, and of course lots of great beaches are within reach.
During their elective, we expect students to pursue a small project, for instance a case history written up in the UK and the Cuban way, or a comparison of a UK and a Cuban medical student’s experience. The best projects may be published in IISC’s journal.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Cuba is not a cheap destination. Exchnage rates fluctuate. You should budget for around £1000-£1250 for four weeks’ tuition, accommodation and food. About half of this is tuition, half is board and lodging. Costs are dependent on the number of students taking part in this elective, and may be reduced for a group of six or more.
The IISC will arrange with the faculty in Cienfuegos for your placement, tuition and acommodation. You will be charged for your tuition and accommodaiton in local currency upon arrival. The only charge that the IISC will make is a £50 arrangement fee.
In addition you will be have to pay for your travel and a student visa. The IISC will advise you on arranging for the visa.
A visa costs £51. The return airfare London-Havana for July 2009 (high season) is currently being quoted at around £770.
IISC will help by suggesting a travel agent who will give you a competitive fare and a package to suit yourt needs.
TO APPLY
Downlaod and fill out the questionnaire by clicking on the icon below. Send the completed form back to us immediately. Once we have your full details we will write to you by email with an information sheet and instructions on what to do next.
