Dominican Republic

Global Health Studies' programs in the Dominican Republic are some of the longest-standing education abroad experiences. Pre-clinical observation programs allow students to learn the culture, history and healthcare delivery system of hospitals and clinics in Santo Domingo. Additionally, clinical immersion experiences allow medical students to provide direct care to patients in Bateyes communities.

OST 690 – Global Health: Dominican Republic – Clinical Immersion (3 Credits)

OST 690 Global Health: Dominican Republic – Clinical Immersion is a 3-credit-hour elective that provides students with an understanding of culture, history, and the healthcare delivery system in the Dominican Republic. The primary goal of the one-week course is to introduce students to the health care delivery model in the Bateyes communities of the Dominican Republic and to explore common causes of morbidity in rural areas.

OST 690 - Global Health: Dominican Republic - Pre-Clinical Observation (3 Credits)

OST 690 Global Health: Dominican Republic – Pre-Clinical Observation is a 3-credit-hour elective that provides students with an understanding of the culture, history and the healthcare delivery system in the Dominican Republic. The primary goal of the one-week course is to introduce students to the healthcare delivery in hospitals and specialty clinics in Santo Domingo.

Eligibility Requirements:

Student must be in good academic standing (no failed courses on academic record) at the time of departure.
Student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the time of application.
This program is open to graduate medical students (OMS I or OMS II) enrolled in a Global Health Studies program.

Pre-Departure Requirements:

Students in clinical immersion programs must also participate in pre-departure preparation activities, such as fundraising efforts for medical supplies, supply packing events and orientation sessions.

Spring 2027: February 27 - March 6, 2027

Course Duration: 1 week

"This was exactly the experience I was hoping for. It gave the opportunity to complete full patient work-ups in rapid succession, present to our attendings under time constraints, practice critical thinking in a resource-limited setting, and provide care for people who have been frightfully neglected by the current system. For example, we gave a 62-year-old man prescription glasses for the first time and watched as his grin spread ear to ear as he looked over his family."

- Benjamin Cavanaugh, MSUCOM Class of 2025

"This program was filled with adventure, cultural enrichment, and a unique educational experience that I will never forget. Global health experiences such as this week abroad are incredible opportunities for students to develop their clinical skills and to learn how to find creative solutions when resources may be limited. I hope that every medical student gets the chance to participate in this program or a similar one during their medical education to experience the positive impact that learning abroad can have on one’s future career and personal growth."

- McKenzie Farthing, MSUCOM Class of 2022

Eligibility Requirements:

Student must be in good academic standing (no failed courses on academic record) at the time of departure.
Student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the time of application.
This program is open to MSU undergraduate, graduate, first-year medical and MS in Global Health students.

Spring 2027: March 6 - 14, 2027

Course Duration: 1 week

"Overall, this program was incredibly eye-opening. As someone pursuing a career in healthcare, it was shocking to witness firsthand how different healthcare systems are across countries. I believe this experience will be invaluable in the future, as I’ve been exposed to various cultures and clinical environments. This will ultimately help me improve my ability to interact with patients from diverse backgrounds and also strengthen my critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a clinical setting."

- Samantha Killingbeck, MSU Kinesiology Major

"If anyone were to ask me about considering a program like this, I would not hesitate to suggest they do it. It’s not just about adding something to your resume. It’s about seeing medicine from a different angle, challenging what you think you know, and coming back with a clearer vision of the kind of doctor you want to be. This experience changed me, and I know it’s going to make me a better physician."

- Kaitlynn Nguyen, MSU Neuroscience Major

Dominican Republic

Available Programs

OST 690 – Global Health: Dominican Republic – Clinical Immersion (3 Credits)

OST 690 - Global Health: Dominican Republic - Pre-Clinical Observation (3 Credits)