Learn firsthand about Mexico’s double burden of disease through a public health and primary care lens.
This rotation is based in Mexico’s government-run primary care system, called Centros de Salud, on Mexico’s southern coast in the state of Oaxaca. The coastal town of Puerto Escondido is popular amongst tourists for its beaches, waves, and nightlife. However, behind the posh hotels and amazing food, is a community dealing with a double burden of disease – mosquito-borne tropical illnesses alongside a rise of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes.
This rotation will allow you to explore the juxtaposition of tourism and “real life” in Mexico. You will get to appreciate the interweaving of primary care and public health approaches to disease prevention and treatment. Mexico has made great strides in its health sector over the past two decades, in part due to the innovation of Seguro Popular – which built up health infrastructure and provided health financing for many Mexicans who were previously underserved. In 2023, Seguro Popular was dismantled and currently, the country aims to build an even more robust public health system (read more here).
While most stakeholders in Mexico are committed to a health as a human right framework, there are two contrasting schools of thought on how to ensure universal health access. Some believe that there should be a public insurance model while the other camp believes government-run health centers and hospitals should provide care without restriction.
Mexico’s healthcare system is in a dynamic transition, join primary care and public health teams as they address infectious diseases, chronic disease risk factors, and the burden of non-communicable diseases.
This rotation requires intermediate Spanish, see our self-assessment guide here.
Start your application today!
To apply, select “Global Health in Mexico (Puerto Escondido).” After you fill out the application forms and receive confirmation of acceptance from the CFHI team, please indicate your preferred elective focus under the placement preferences section in your dashboard.