RESUMO
Like many areas of the United States, Hawai'i and its rural communities are suffering from a significant physician shortage. The University of Hawai'i (UH) John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) developed the Hawai'i Rural Health Program (HRHP) in 2011 to help provide early and substantial rural training experiences for its medical students in hopes of generating more rural health care providers. Thus far, 20.6% of the students who participated in this program and have since graduated from residency are now practicing in rural communities. Final exam grades of students who participated in the program were not statistically different from those who did not participate, suggesting a similar quality of training between both the rural and traditional cohorts of students. Reflections from students who completed the program demonstrate the large and lasting impact that this immersive experience has on their medical education and desire to help rural communities.
Assuntos
Médicos , Estudantes de Medicina , Havaí , Humanos , Saúde da População Rural , População RuralRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Over 6,000 people are homeless in the State of Hawai'i and a growing number are of Micronesian descent. This study looks at reasons for homelessness in the Micronesian population. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of 145 patients who were seen in a free student-run medical clinic at a transitional shelter in Hawai'i. Demographics and reasons for homelessness were compiled for the patients of Micronesian ancestry. RESULTS: Of the 56% of patients that were found to be of Micronesian ancestry, overcrowded housing was the most common reason leading to homelessness. CONCLUSION: Overcrowded housing, probably caused by poverty, along with social and cultural differences, likely play a significant role in the reasons for homelessness in Micronesian migrants. More research needs to be done to discern the reasons for, attitudes towards, and solutions for homelessness in this population.
Assuntos
Pessoas Mal Alojadas , Pobreza , Preconceito , Justiça Social , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Emigrantes e Imigrantes , Feminino , Havaí , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Micronésia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Densidade Demográfica , Habitação Popular , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Fatores de Tempo , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: As of November 2006, 41.3% of the residents at a newly established transitional homeless shelter in Hawai'i were of Micronesian descent. A student-run medical clinic operates at this shelter every week. This study examines the medical problems found in the Micronesian patients at this clinic. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 213 patients was conducted. Data was compiled from registration forms, intake forms, and progress notes. RESULTS: The most common medical conditions that patients reported having were musculoskeletal problems, hypertension, and diabetes. For actual patient encounters, health maintenance visits and acute conditions, such as upper respiratory infections, were the most frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Homeless Micronesian patients seen at this shelter presented with problems more similar to the general homeless population than for chronic conditions commonly cared for by providers of care to Micronesians in the community. More information about the health and other needs of homeless Micronesians in Hawai'i is warranted.