The 2016 SPC South Africa Study Abroad Program focused on interdisciplinary patient-centered health systems in South Africa.  Although healthcare in South Africa may seem removed from our concerns at home in the United States, both countries face issues of uneven access, constrained resources, and a desire to improve efficiency. Three SPC students experienced this connection first-hand through their work at two South African health services organizations, SHAWCO and the Pebbles Project.

SHAWCO, the Student Health and Welfare Centers Organization  is a student-run nonprofit organization which has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality primary healthcare in under-served communities in Cape Town. SHAWCO operates through the efforts of 100 volunteer doctors and 800 medical and allied health science students who run six general clinics, a health and rehabilitation clinic, and a pediatric clinic. Each SPC student who participated in this program was assigned to a SHAWCO medical student, working one-on-one with them at a clinic site and observing as patients were assigned to cubicles separated by shower curtains.

Every patient encounter is unique. In one instance, a newly-engaged couple came to the clinic to be tested for AIDS, which is a major cause of death in South Africa. The students attended the couple’s pre-test counseling and assisted the SHAWCO medical students. All of us held our breaths as the couple held hands and waited the long 10 minutes for the test results. Happily, both of the patients tested negative and were anxious to plan their wedding. At another site, a pediatric patient with abdominal pain was diagnosed with worms. Gastrointestinal worms from unclean water are common, and children typically receive treatment every six months for this condition. Other children came with various skin conditions due to lack of hygiene. SHAWCO emphasizes the importance of treating the whole patient with counseling and follow-up care. These experiences reinforced for the SPC participants why we chose healthcare as a profession. We left SHAWCO enlightened and humbled.

The Pebbles Project was equally enriching.  This organization focuses on education in health and nutrition for children and families in the Villeria farming communities in the Western Cape. Circumstances are challenging, and the Pebbles Project makes a significant and lasting difference in the quality of life for these children. Many of the children are undernourished and SPC students had the opportunity to visit the farms and assist the Pebbles nutritionist with delivery of milk and food.

Owethu Clinic provides first-class dental and medical services for these farm communities, in particular for children attending Pebbles Project. SPC students assisted the dental hygienist and nurse. One of the highlights included helping the children make ice cream in a plastic bag. This provided much needed high-fat and high-calorie dairy food, and was a special treat for the pre-school children. SPC students completed their volunteer activities by leading two presentations on holidays in the USA and assisted the middle school children in making Christmas decorations with a US flair. Their final learning abroad project was a Lego activity on effective communication. SPC students also attended the Pebbles Project Annual Board of Directors Meeting, and received special recognition there. Our students learned about funding, new projects, and how the directors worked towards their goal of reaching as many children as possible.

Providing a context for their experiences with Pebbles Project and SHAWCO, SPC program participants also took part in cultural activities. They visited Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment before the end of apartheid. They also toured the Peninsula, including Cape Town, which is home to South Africa’s parliament and is the country’s biggest tourist attraction. African, European, Indian, Madagascan, and Southeast Asian cultures are all represented in the area, exemplifying the wealth of South Africa’s history, diversity, and heritage. Visiting the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach and examining the plants at Kirstenbosch, South Africa’s most famous botanical garden, completed the enlightening program.

The students participating in this study aboard program returned home inspired, grateful, and passionate about their health care education and the career opportunities for their future.  Not surprisingly, the SPC students are ready to go again!