The following reference books may prove useful during the elective and may be obtained at your local medical school store or online.
Tropical Medicine
- Lecture Notes on Tropical Medicine, 7th Edition. Gill G., Beeching N. June 2014. Wiley-Blackwell
- Principles of Medicine in Africa, 4th Edition. Mabey D, Gill G, Parry E, Weber M, Whitty C. March 2013. Cambridge University Press
- Atlas of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, 6th Edition. Peters W, Pasvol G. 2007. Mosby Elsevier
Travel Medicine
- CDC Health Information for International Travel (“Yellow Book”), free online http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/yellowbook-home-2014
- Tarascon Global Health Pocketbook by Amil Chandra, MD
- The Travel and Tropical Medicine Manual, 4th edition. Jong E., Sanford C. August 2008. Saunder/Elsevier
- 2015 International Travel Health Guide, Rose S, Keystone J. Free online http://travmed.com/health-guide/
- State Department Travel Advisories, http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html
Dermatology
- Tropical Dermatology. Tyring S, Lupi O, Hengge U. May 2005. Churchill Livingstone
- Dermatology for Skin of Color. Kelly A P, Taylor S. April 2009. McGraw Hill Professional
Community Health
- Where There Is No Doctor, Free download at http://hesperian.org/books-and-resources/
- Setting Up Community Health Programs: A Practical Manual for Use in Developing Countries. Lankester T. 2007. Macmillian Publishers Limited
Global Health Track Recommended Reading List
The following list is the suggested core reading recommended for this program. Residents are also encouraged to use evidence-based web sites such as Dynamed, Pub Med or Up To Date to read further on topics related to their patients.
- TB Management
- Travelers Diarrhea
- Water Disinfection
- Sexual Transmitted Infections
- HIV
- Hepatitis
- Tropical Dermatology
- Malaria
- Intestinal Parasites
- Malnutrition
- Immunizations for Travelers
- Parasitology
- Tropical Diseases
- Public Health
- Health Screening in Immigrants, Refugees, and International Adoptees
Tips for Success
- Cultural breakdowns can jeopardize current and future projects. Residents and staff physicians will be acting as good will ambassadors.
- Plan your agenda with local host before your trip.
- Be flexible as other countries may work on different time tables, and delays may be common. Remember you are a guest visiting.
- Everyone will need medical and travel insurance.
- Consider Medex ( www.medexassist.com ), Travel Guard, CSAI, Highway To Health, or SOS insurance agencies.
- This website compares insurance options www.insuremytrip.com
- Check in with the State Department travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html. The State Department can help U.S. citizens overseas, and receive email alerts. The State Department has up to date list of risky countries.
- CDC Travelers Health website www.cdc.gov/travel/ includes needed vaccines, recommended travel kits, and tips to remain healthy and safe abroad.
- Keep a single page of all critical information. Carry two to three copies of your information, which can be kept in your hat or in pants belt.
- On some trips, embassy registration may be required.
- Email relatives or contacts at least once per week from overseas site to report on your general well-being.
- Think ahead regarding your food and water sources. When stopping at local restaurants are they recommended and safe?
- With transportation, check vehicles for safety issues, including determining if the seatbelts are actually functional. Use known and recommended drivers if possible.
- Avoid driving at night.
- Limit alcohol consumption as it can lead to poor health choices.
- Limit personal items and do not over pack.
- Research safe lodging.
- Night life in foreign cities and drinking can lead to increased trouble and risk to you and the group.
- Donations and gifts? How do you handle this? Is there a policy with your volunteer organization?