Mexico
Study Abroad in Merida
Mérida, the vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, has a rich Mayan and colonial heritage. The city’s focal point is Plaza de la Independencia, bordered by the fortresslike Mérida Cathedral and white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Mayan temples. The Casa de Montejo, a 16th-century mansion, is a landmark of colonial plateresque architecture.
OST 686: Global Health: Mexico – Community Medicine and Mayan culture in the Yucatan (3 credits)
Dates: March 01-08, 2025 -Spring Break-
This program combines hospital shadowing with community healthcare and offers students a view of Mayan culture. Students also are given opportunities to: interact with Mexican healthcare professionals, observe common and uncommon pathology and learn on global health aspects. This program takes medical students as well as undergraduate students together when academic calendars match.
It is the discretion of the Course Director to determine which students may participate. An interview may be required.
For more information, please contact igh@msu.edu.
Undergraduate student at Michigan State OR first year medical curriculum (COM/CHM/CON) or MS in Global Health students (COM) student at Michigan State University.- 2.5 GPA required.
- Must have a good understanding of Biology, Microbiology, and Physiology.
- Must have respect for different cultures.
- Must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively.
- 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, click here to apply online.
The Office of Study Abroad offers scholarships to students who participate in MSU’s study abroad programs. Details here
William Cunningham DO, MHA currently serves as the Associate Dean for Global Health and the Director of the Institute for Global Health (IGH) at the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University. Dr. Cunningham was instrumental in the formation and approval of the Masters in Global Health and Certificate program that will matriculate students in January of 2020. In his current capacity of Associate Dean, he is responsible for advocating on the behalf of the four health care colleges at MSU for the education, research and cultural awareness of their graduate students. Additionally, IGH provides Study Abroad programs, such as the Dominican Republic, for pre-professional students interested in the delivery of health care in a global context.
Travis Gordon is the local Program Assistant for International Studies in Yucatan, Mexico as well as Assistant Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. He oversees all international projects and collaborations between MSU IGH and Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. His main interests reflect Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and a holistic approach of One Health.
Dr. Rowan has been leading the Yucatan Study Abroad programs for the past 6 years. His medical specialties are physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). This program offers a wide variety of areas of interest such as osteopathic manipulative medicine, global health and physician communication.
*Meets preceptorship requirement for OMS II. Date: August 19 to August 26, 2023
