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| Davidson in Kenya Program |
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Overview
Each year, Davidson students participate in the Kenya Program. Broadly speaking, the principal activities include:
- Identifying and researching human diseases
- Observing medical practice at Kikuyu and Nazareth Hospitals which are near Nairobi, Kenya
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| The Program |
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Biology 368: The Study and Treatment of Human Disease
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Participants:
Nine Davidson Students |
Professor:
Dr. Jeremiah L. Putnam, Paul B. Freeland Professor of Biology and Premedical Director |
Sponsors:
Davidson College and Dr. Salvador Garcia de la Torre |
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Prerequisites
Interest in a career in medicine
Hospital and/or clinical experience
Fall Semester
Application and Interview
Students submit an application for the Premedical Director's review and, if invited, will participate in an interview. Selection of nine students will be made by fall registration. Preference is given to juniors and sophomores though freshman are invited to apply. Seniors are not eligible because a grade of incomplete cannot be carried beyond graduation. Applications are available in the Premedical Office located in Preyer 105 or you may download an application.
Spring Semester
Human Disease Research I
During the spring semester, students will research one disease which has been identified as a problem at Kikuyu and Nazareth Hospitals.
Students will study the structure and function of the organ or organs most affected by the disease including gross anatomy, histology, cytology and molecular biology.
The pathology of the disease will be examined with students consulting local physicians to help them understand the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the disease. For example, a cardiologist would be consulted for coronary heart disease, a condition prevalent in Kenya. Students will write a comprehensive paper on the disease which will be completed before the end of the spring semester. Additionally, students will present a seminar on this paper during the first week in Kenya.
Travel Preparations
Students will secure funding (e.g., by submitting a proposal to the Dean Rusk Program), make travel arrangements, receive immunizations, have an up-to-date passport, and apply for a Kenya Visa.
Summer in Kenya
Internships at Kikuyu and Nazareth Hospitals
Upon arrival in Kenya, students will begin their observations of medical practices at Kikuyu and Nazareth Hospitals. During this 3-week internship, they will be mentored by Kenyan physicians who will help students deepen their understanding of the science and art of medical practice at these two hospitals.
Human Disease Research II
While interning at Kikuyu and Nazareth Hospitals, students will explore a second disease and present a seminar on the subject during the third week in Kenya.
Course Credit
Students will receive an incomplete for the seminar at the end of the spring semester. A final grade will be given at the completion of the Kenyan experience.
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