Mission

The Student International Health Coalition (SIHC) is a dedicated group of approximately 40 Medical and Physician Assistant Students. We are bound by a common goal of educating ourselves on the global health crises and doing what we can to improve it. Our mission is simple:

• To enhance our understanding of the global health crisis and determine the role of osteopathic physicians and other allied health professionals in improving global health.
• To work toward increasing the prevalence of osteopathic medicine in the international aide healthcare sector.
• To improve the quality of healthcare abroad through fundraising efforts and fund distribution to medical non-governmental organizations 501(C)(3) working abroad.

Philosophies and Current Programs

Philosophy: Information is power! Actions: SIHC holds monthly meetings to discuss international public health topics SIHC sponsors guest lecturers at Touro University Nevada and will host a weekend course from Harvard on "Health and the Global Environment" SIHC developed a resource guide for students interested in international service opportunities, and supports the establishment of foreign electives for students at Touro University

Philosophy: We can help to improve international health as medical students. Actions: SIHC operates a donation drive for textbooks, copy machines and other technology for Cambodia's only medical school, Faculte Mixte de Medecine SIHC supports Partners in Health (www.pih.org) an inspirational humanitarian organization that provides a standard of healthcare to poverty stricken communities around the world Tropical Medicine Course in Iquitos, Peru. This year, SIHC will hosting our first tropical medicine course for Student in Iquitos, Peru

Philosophy: Unity is Strength! Actions: SIHC is collaborating with the following organizations to enhance our ability to serve: International Federation of Medical Student Associations Physicians for Human Rights Osteopathic Student Global Health Forum SIHC strongly promotes collaborative projects between student groups in Southern Nevada American Medical Student Association Osteopathic International Alliance World Osteopathic Health Organization Physicians for Humanity

Local Health is Global Health

Collectively, the members of the Student International Health Coalition have visited over thirty countries on five different continents. The level of poverty and illness witnessed is deplorable. Conflict, natural disaster, and devastated economies have created a world in dire need of our help. Please have faith in our intentions and become part of our vision to support humanitarian organizations like Partners in Health (www.pih.org).

Especially in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, it is necessary to educate our neighbors in Clark County about how global health ultimately affects local health. As Southern Nevada prepares to transition hundreds of displaced families into new communities, we should be sensitive to how frequently public health is jeopardized in other parts of the world.

No one could have thoroughly prepared for the perfect handling of the aftermath in the Gulf Coast, but as the whole world watches the recovery efforts, we must not neglect the daily crises in locations that are not in clear sight of the public's eyes.

This fall, community coalitions have sprung up around the country to raise awareness about global health. Rx for Survival - A Global Health Challenge is a groundbreaking multimedia project, anchored by a six-hour PBS television series airing November 1-3, 2005. Supported with a constellation of other media stories and specials, the Web site can help you get more informed and involved. Check it out! Together, we can take educated initiatives to make a difference.