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CDU Newsletter
March 2023
CDU Students Journey Abroad for Health Equity
During the month of March , two delegations of CDU students set out beyond our borders to pursue the University ’ s mission of creating a world without health disparities through their travels to Cuba and the Dominican Republic .
While in Cuba , CDU Master of Public Health students studied the country ’ s health system , which is internationally recognized for prioritizing primary prevention and health promotion as a health strategy . This universal and integrated model has had notable achievements in infectious disease , maternal and infant health , biopharmaceuticals , and internationalism .
The journey provides a unique opportunity to examine and consider how this model , or portions of it , could be used to support health equity in the United States . A Certificate of Completion was provided to students for their participation in lectures and site visits . The students who attended the trip are scheduled to present a report of their experience in early May .
CDU students and faculty who journeyed to the Dominican Republic participated in a Clinic Service Learning Trip . During their time there , students made daily treks through sugar cane fields to rural villages (“ bateys ”) and to semi-urban barrios in order to gain an understanding of local health disparities . These clinics also offered an opportunity for students to reach those in medical need with important services . The visit also included insightful cultural activities aimed to appreciate the diversity , history , and beauty of the Dominican Republic .
These two trips together , along with other excursions through the university , highlight the university ’ s dedication to supporting the “ Global-International Experience ” pillar of The CDU Advantage . CDU offers a global perspective through a robust international program while participating in global initiatives and consortiums .