UBC International Health Project

Vancouver, Canada & Limpopo Province, South Africa

UBC International Health Initiative provides educational, social and cultural enhancement for Canadian Medical Residents to discover and experience medical service in a remote South African setting.

The Internal Medicine Residency Training Program at University of British Columbia (UBC) recognized the need to develop a program of International
Health Education in order to expand the scope of awareness and experience
of its Residents. A long-term, sustainable partnership was formed among UBC,
the Department of Health in Limpopo Province, the Donald Fraser Hospital and CEDAR Foundation: International. The program funds UBC Resident doctors'
time, care-giving experiences and teaching opportunities in one of South Africa's poorest areas, which suffers from a chronic shortage of health care providers.

The Donald Fraser Hospital serves a population of approximately 250,000 in the heart of the AIDS epidemic. It operates an active anti-retroviral clinic and a number of outreach clinics in remote communities.

While providing the Canadian doctors an opportunity to participate in the medical needs of a resource-poor setting, this initiative also enhances their capacity as global citizens contributing to change. CEDAR is thrilled to have been able to come upon such a good opportunity to combine Canadian education with South African needs.