[November 15, 2018] Rocky Vista University (RVU) hosted a Global Medicine Open House at the Frank Ritchel Ames Memorial Library on Monday, November 12th. The open house celebrated RVU’s Global Medicine Program and its successful training of student doctors in providing quality healthcare for rural and underserved communities worldwide.
Guest speaker Dr. Camille Z. Bentley, DO, MPH, FACOFP, Chair of Tracks and Special Programs, gave a presentation on the accomplishments of the Global Medicine Program and the future of healthcare abroad, then shared her personal experiences in global medicine. Merging her academia and clinical skills, Dr. Bentley has developed and expanded RVU’s global health curriculum to include numerous international clinical opportunities for students, such as outreach trips to Kenya, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and other countries, with a focus on rural and underserved areas. In addition, Jen Daniels, OMS II, and Kelsey Boghean, OMS II, shared their experiences in the program and presented their respective research titled, “Reflections on Global Health” and “Physicians at the Global Health Table.”
During the event, several displays showcased past medical missions and community outreach programs, which provide student doctors with exposure to osteopathic medicine in an international setting, to improve and develop cultural sensitivity and communication skills, and to expand student knowledge of chronic and unusual diseases. Cultural artifacts from each trip were also on display and offered a tangible connection to the people and values of those communities.
Guests at the Global Medicine Open House had the opportunity to explore the National Library of Medicine’s traveling banner exhibition “Against the Odds: Making a Difference in Global Health.” The exhibition showcased the collaborative work of physicians, scientists, communities, and international organizations across a wide range of issues, including the global AIDS pandemic and the impact of war on healthcare services, in an effort to prevent disease and to improve quality of life for all.
To view photos from the event, visit RVU's Facebook page at https://bit.ly/2Q2rGqa.
