Doha, Qatar – Students from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) have released a new interactive e-book, “Care and Culture: A Medical Service Learning Journey to Tanzania,” documenting their recent experiences providing healthcare and cultural immersion in the East African nation. The publication, available through Qatar National Library, details the July/August 2024 trip and showcases the students’ contributions to local communities. This medical service learning initiative highlights WCM-Q’s commitment to global health engagement.
The e-book features photos, videos, and firsthand accounts from ten WCM-Q students and accompanying faculty as they traveled throughout Tanzania. They focused on delivering free health screenings, observing healthcare settings, and engaging with the diverse cultural landscape. The project aimed to broaden the students’ understanding of healthcare challenges in resource-limited environments.
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar Students Chronicle Tanzania Experience
The release of the e-book marks a significant achievement for the students involved, representing the first such publication originating directly from WCM-Q students. According to Dr. Dietrich Büsselberg, Professor of Physiology & Biophysics and Associate Dean for Admissions, the e-book format proved ideal for capturing the essence of Tanzania’s beauty and the impact of the trip. He expressed pride in the students’ conduct and the depth of their experience.
Community Engagement and Healthcare Delivery
The students’ service learning activities extended beyond basic health checks. They visited a local hospital and an orphanage, collaborating with Tanzanian healthcare professionals to offer advice and support. Furthermore, the group had the opportunity to meet representatives from the Maasai and Hadza tribes, gaining insight into their traditional practices and healthcare beliefs.
The trip offered a unique perspective on healthcare disparities and the importance of culturally sensitive medical care. Students emphasized the need to adapt medical approaches to the specific needs and contexts of different communities. This experience is a core component of WCM-Q’s curriculum, fostering empathy and global citizenship among future physicians.
Exploring Tanzania’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
The e-book doesn’t solely focus on medical aspects; it also vividly portrays Tanzania’s rich natural environment and cultural heritage. Students documented visits to stunning waterfalls and hot springs, as well as immersive experiences like shopping at a Maasai market. Safari excursions provided encounters with iconic African wildlife, including lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, hippos, zebras, and giraffes.
Several video segments are included, covering topics such as “Exploring Ngorongoro, Arusha, and Tarangire National Parks,” “Health Care in Tanzania,” “Agriculture in Tanzania,” “Education in Tanzania,” and “Cultural Heritage.” These videos offer a dynamic and engaging complement to the written narratives and photographs. The inclusion of these diverse perspectives provides a holistic view of life in Tanzania.
WCM-Q’s Division of Student Affairs organizes these global health trips annually, sponsoring students to participate in service-learning opportunities in Tanzania and other locations. The program aims to provide students with practical experience and a broader understanding of global health issues. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s national vision to promote international cooperation and contribute to global development.
The program’s continued success relies on securing funding and maintaining strong partnerships with local organizations in Tanzania. WCM-Q plans to continue offering these opportunities to students, with the next trip tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2025. The availability of the e-book through the Qatar National Library is expected to increase its reach and impact, potentially inspiring future students to participate in similar initiatives and fostering a greater understanding of global health challenges.
Looking ahead, WCM-Q will assess the impact of the e-book on student engagement and the broader community. Further evaluation will determine the feasibility of expanding the program to include more students and potentially other countries facing similar healthcare challenges. The long-term goal is to integrate these experiences more fully into the curriculum and contribute to the development of globally competent physicians.
