Kikuyu Program

Overview

Prerequisites

Application (Fall)

Syllabus (Spring/Summer)
Human Disease Research
Travel Preparations
Summer in Kikuyu, Kenya (late May-early July)
Research Paper
Crediting the Course

Overview

Each year, five eligible Davidson students are selected for summer internships at a hospital in Kikuyu, Kenya. Responsibilities include:

Identification and research of human diseases common to Kenya and neighboring countries

In-depth examination of disease effects and treatment at Wake Forest School of Medicine

Observation and group discussions of medical practice at Kikuyu hospital with local physicians

Prerequisites

Demonstrated interest in a career in medicine
Hospital and/or clinical experience

Helpful courses include:

Application (Fall)

After an early fall meeting of prospective students for Davidson in Kikuyu, each interested student will submit an application for the Premedical Director's review. Selections of five student participants will be made by fall registration. Preference is given to juniors and sophomores, though seniors and freshmen are invited to apply.

Syllabus (Spring/Summer)

Human Disease Research
Travel Preparations
Summer in Kikuyu, Kenya (late May-early July)
Research Paper
Crediting the Course

Human Disease Research

During spring semester, each of the five students will research two diseases which have been identified as a problem at the Kikuyu Hospital.

Students will study the structure and function of the organs most effected by their respective diseases. Gross anatomy, histology, cytology and molecular biology will be emphasized.

Students will travel to Wake Forest School of Medicine for human dissection of those organs most effected by the disease under study. The pathology of the disease will be examined. Whenever possible, students will consult with local physicians who will help them understand the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of the disease under study. For example, a cardiologist would be a consult for coronary heart disease, a condition which is very prevalent at Kikuyu. Physicians are invited to participate in seminar discussions. The give-and-take seminar format will provide an environment in which students can synthesize the anatomical, physiological and pathological aspects of their selected disease with the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of that disease.


Travel Preparations

During spring semester, students will also: secure funding (e.g., by submitting a proposal to the Dean Rusk Program); make travel arrangements; get immunizations and passports.


Summer in Kikuyu, Kenya (late May-early July)

Armed with a thorough knowledge of 10 diseases, the students will begin their observations of medical practice at Kikuyu Hospital. They will be mentored by Kikuyu physicians and make comparisons and contrasts with American practices. In the evenings, students will discuss their findings. The physicians at Kikuyu will be invited to participate in these discussions . These discussions will deepen participants' understanding of the science of disease and the art of medical practice in America and Kenya.


Research Paper

Upon returning home, each student must complete a research paper which includes all observations and reflections on what has been learned in the seminar. This report must be submitted one week before the Registrar's deadline for completing courses with a grade of incomplete.


Crediting the Course

Each student will receive an incomplete for the seminar at the end of the spring semester. After submission of the research paper in the summer, a final grade for the seminar will be given.