ID
48
Pathway
Population, Community, and Global Health
Description
This is a 4-week summer project involving field work and clinical shadowing at K2TASO healthcare clinic and St Andrew’s Hospital, both in the Kasungu District of Malawi. The project this upcoming year will be aiming to screen for, diagnose, and treat hypertension in adults (1/3 people over 18 have this problem in Malawi) as well as attempt to reduce sodium intake, based on needs identified by the clinical partner, Dr. Peter Minjale - the director of K2TASO. Past projects included a water chlorination project (2025) and a geriatric needs assessment to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing healthcare (2026). One week was spent at Mangochi Education and Orphanage Training (MOET) Program with Dr. Hangen’s group where we conducted visual acuity exams, taught teeth brushing, and aided in construction projects around campus.
Goals
Partake in clinical shadowing at K2TASO and St. Andrew’s Hospital. Very valuable to see how physicians and medical staff work with different resources than we are used to
2. Conduct field work to help the K2TASO team in identifying areas where new programs can be implemented (subjective based on each year’s project)
3. Similar to other Malawi group - teach health literacy, conduct screenings, and assist in daily activities at the orphanage
2. Conduct field work to help the K2TASO team in identifying areas where new programs can be implemented (subjective based on each year’s project)
3. Similar to other Malawi group - teach health literacy, conduct screenings, and assist in daily activities at the orphanage
Mentor
Dr. Brian Lisse
Mentor E-mail
Brian.Lisse@umassmed.edu
Department
Family Medicine and Community Health
Prior Students
Olivia Mihalek (2029; olivia.mihalek@umassmed.edu); Olesea Cojohari (2029; Olesea.cojohari@umassmed.edu); Akua Serebou (2029; akua.serebou@umassmed.edu); Madolyn Dauphinais (2029; Madolyn.Dauphinais@umassmed.edu)
Availability
Yes
Number Spots
4