ENLACE Global Health Elective
The ENLACE Global Health model is unique in that does not follow the typical “brigade” or “mission” format used by a majority of university/medical groups doing international/volunteer work. More often than not, a brigade-style/mission trip results in an erosion of trust in the local health care provider; works outside of rather than in partnership with local governmental agencies and medical systems; and does not ask participants before, during and after the experience to critically examine the harm that can come from their presence.
The ENLACE model immersed students in clinical settings precepted by local El Salvadoran physicians with IUSM Affiliation. Students and accompanying staff/faculty lived with host families in the community where they worked rather than as a group in hotels; and every opportunity was taken to educate and continually remind participants of the ethical/cross-cultural pitfalls of volunteering when disparities in power and influence exist.
Contact: Jennifer Custer
