Dominican Republic Program 2

Study Abroad in Dominican Republic San Pedro de Macoris

OST 690: Global Health: Dominican Republic – Health Care Delivery System & Culture (3 credits)

Dates:  Spring Break: March 01-08, 2025; Winter Break: December 13-20, 2025

This program is designed to provide MSU medical students exposure to clinical medicine and health issues related to careers in medicine, public health, or other health professions. It offers five (5) days of clinical practice in the Bateyes (Sugar canes) in San Pedro de Macoris (75 km away from the capital of Santo Domingo) plus a cultural lesson focus on the understanding of the Haitian migration to Dominican Republic, and 1 day of a cultural experience. This program started in 2020 and since then has been bringing students every year even during the pandemic of COVID-19. Slots are limited so it’s recommended to sign up in advance.

These program meets preceptorship requirements for OMS II.

A group of people, some with masks on
A group of people in scrubs in an empty piece of land with grass behind them
Some adults and kids holding up latex gloves that have been inflated.
A group of people smiling on a bus
A lecture hall filled with people
A group of people in scrubs in front of a Spartans canopy
A Spartans canopy outside with a table set up giving something out to people
A person in scrubs with a mask on looking at a bottle of something

It is the discretion of the Course Director to determine which students may participate. An interview may be required.

For more information, please contact the Study Abroad Office of IGH.

  • First year or second year of medical curriculum (COM/CHM/CON) student OR MS in Global Health students at Michigan State University.
  • 2.5 GPA required
  • Must have respect for different cultures.
  • Must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively.
  • Conversational Spanish Encouraged
  • Second year medical curriculum (COM) student at Michigan State University.
  • In good standing at the University
  • Must coordinate and receive approval from FCM staff (Please contact: Rebecca Reagan)
  • Must have respect for different cultures.
  • Must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively.
  • Spanish speaking preferred but not required

Students must apply through Michigan State’s Office of Study Abroad, OEA form.

The Office of Study Abroad offers scholarships to students who participate in MSU’s study abroad programs. Details here.

Dr. Shahed’s focus is on global health, community medicine, osteopathic outreach, and medical education. During his medical training he helped develop global health curriculums, research projects, project grants and served as faculty preceptor and lecturer for medical students/residents under MSU Institute for Global Health. Dr. Shahed’s residency experience includes completing certificates in integrative medicine, faculty development and medical education which allows him to be today the program leader to this clinical offering in the Bateyes of Dominican Republic.

René C. Hinojosa is Professor Emeritus in the Urban and Regional Planning Program, School of Planning Design and Construction, adjunct professor of the Department of Geography and the Institute for Global Health, Michigan State University. He has organized several study abroad courses including programs in Japan, Mexico, Italy, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and served in numerous university, college and departmental committees.

Meets preceptorship requirements for OMS II, date: December 09 -16 , 2023