GLOBAL HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES IN SOUTH AFRICA
Global Healthcare Technologies in South Africa 2011 Impressions by Fei Yin Luk
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Contact:
Karey Fuhs
Assistant Director, IPD Study Abroad
(847) 467-6953
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
University: University of Cape Town
Term: Winter Quarter
Application Deadline: May 30, 2012
Language Requirement: None - all classes are taught in English
Academic Interests:
Biomedical Engineering, Global Health
Program Description:
Designed exclusively for engineering students, this program offers hands-on experience in developing and managing technology infrastructure to improve health outcomes in resource-poor environments, particularly the townships of Cape Town. While learning about healthcare needs specific to developing countries, students work closely with University of Cape Town (UCT) faculty and local health professionals. The emphasis is on problem definition, user-centered solutions and the utilization of appropriate technologies. The program is organized in conjunction with McCormick's Center for Innovation in Global Health Technologies (CIGHT).
Courses:
Program courses take place at the University of Cape Town. This is a Northwestern program with a set curriculum, so students must enroll in the courses listed below.
- BME 388-SA: Healthcare in Resource Poor Environments (1 credit)
This course introduces the healthcare needs of developing countries and provides a basic introduction to medical and clinical terminology and problems. Site visits to hospital departments and community institutions are an integral part of the course.
- BME 389-SA: Healthcare Technology Assessment and Planning (1 credit)
Students learn methods of macro- and micro-assessment and are introduced to concepts of cost-analysis as it relates to health status and health outcomes. The impact of technology life-cycles, innovation and application cycles, and approaches to technology transfer, strategic planning, healthcare technology policy, procurement process, standardization, and information resources will be examined in the context of a resource poor environment.
- BME 391-SA: Healthcare Technology Innovation and Design (1 credit)
This team-oriented, project-based course will provide students with an introduction to the fundamentals of biomedical engineering design. Students will work closely with faculty and health professionals with an emphasis on problem definition, user-centered solutions and the use of appropriate technologies.
- GBL HLTH 314-SA: Health and Community Development in South Africa (1 credit)
This course explores health-related issues confronting South Africa, their social and economic impact, and efforts to address them, particularly within the context of apartheid and posttransition policies. Students will learn about demographics, prevention, and treatment of both infectious and chronic noncommunicable diseases.
Program Costs:
Cost information for the Winter 2013 program will be updated shortly. Please return to this website for more information.
Winter 2012 Program Fee: $13,500, includes tuition, program-related excursions, and housing. Students should also budget approximately $2,000 for international airfare, $500 for books and supplies, $100 for HTH health insurance, and $2,200 for personal expenses, including meals, non-program transportation, personal travel, and miscellaneous expenses.
Students applying to this program are eligible to apply for select IPD Study Abroad Fellowships.
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