Since 1980 the Alumni Association has supported the “Health Care in Developing Countries Elective. It is one of the jewels of the Medical Center and is run by the Department of Preventive Medicine. This past year 17 students participated in this overseas elective and were supported by travel grants from the Alumni Fund. The students participated in this elective in the following countries: Dominican Republic, India, Kenya, Peru and Thailand.
Med student Raquibul Hannan in Bangladesh.
Med student Sara Hardy
in India
The following are several quotes from the medical students who participated in this elective:
“For the Health Care In Developing Countries Elective I spent 6 weeks in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. In the dermatology clinic we saw several different problems including lichen planus and seborrheic dermatitis. Doctors explained that in their country they see cases unheard of in the U.S.A. (such as diphtheria) due to our immunization efforts and preventive care. This elective was an amazing experience for me and I am very grateful and would like to thank the Alumni Fund of the College of Medicine for enabling me to take part in such a wonderful and unique experience.
Jennifer McKenna
“I went to St. John's Hospital in Karnatalca, right outside of Bangalore, in Southern India. The doctors explained that an epidural or other forms of anesthesia cost were extra, so most women opted not to use this. As my dermatology rotation continued, I saw many cases of leprosy, pemphigous and vulgaris. While in pediatrics, I witnessed many children with HIV. My experience at St. John's Hospital was extraordinary and I thought it was the absolute best way to end my medical school career. I thank the Alumni Association for making this trip possible.
Anitha Chetty
I visited Bangkok, Thailand and worked in Sirirag Hospital. Snake bites are much more prevalent here in Thailand, than the U.S. I cared for an 18 year old young adult, who was bitten by a Cobra on her way home, just on the outskirts of Bangkok. Fortunately for her, there was an anti-venom medicine that was administered to her and she was discharged from the hospital 2 days later. The country's lack of resources and coordination of resources caused these problems to occur on a regular basis, thereby causing preventable tragedies. I am most appreciative of the Alumni Association-College of Medicine for the financial support to make this tremendous experience possible.
Med student Raquibul Hannan in Bangladesh. 
Med student Sara Hardy