The Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved/Vulnerable (LMUV) program at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine (MSU-CHM) was established for medical students in 2004 to prepare a cohort of physicians that possess, in addition to the fundamental core of knowledge and skills for the medical degree, a special set of knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to lead efforts to address the needs of medically underserved populations of the United States and internationally. LMUV students are selected via a supplemental application process at the time of admission to the college. Students are required to express interest in the program via essay and letter of intent, as well as detailing specific qualifications and experiences consistent with the mission of the program. The program has grown in size from 3 to 15 students per class over the past 4 years.
As part of the LMUV program, MSU-CHM students work with The Foundation for the International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) to provide care to underserved populations outside of the United States. During the third year, students will travel to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador or Peru to gain knowledge about medicine in international settings, acquire competency in Spanish, and employ public health methods in meeting population needs. Students receive daily Spanish/culture classes, participate in community public health efforts and receive didactic sessions on clinical and public health topics. As fourth year students, they travel to El Salvador or Peru to strengthen their language skills, treat more advanced clinical problems and address public health issues of greater magnitude. The two trips are bridged with various activities in the United States focused on improving the health of populations in rural and urban settings to prepare the students for more intensive training. In January and February 2010, 14 third-year and 8 fourth-year medical students will travel to these countries to provide direct medical care, health education and community assessment for children and families at private and government health clinics. The students will cover portions of their own cost of airfare, meals, lodging, and in-country travel.
| Current 4th Year Medical Students |
Current 3rd Year Medical Students |
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Please consider making a donation to the Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved/Vulnerable.
100% of your donations will go towards the purchase of medications, medical and dental supplies for the patients and families in need.
Supplies needed include but are not limited to the following:
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Antibiotics (for respiratory, GI, UTI infections) |
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Anti-fungals (for yeast, nail, and skin fungal infections) |
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Anti-diarrheals |
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Anti-parasitics |
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Anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen) |
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Folic acid supplements |
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Multi-vitamins (for adults and children) |
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Iron supplements |
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Bronchodilators (puff) |
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Nebulizers |
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Dental supplies (toothbrushes, paste, and floss) |
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