THE CMC EXPERIENCE By: Elissa Frost

VELLORE, INDIA

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

India is a large country full of interesting culture,

colorful buildings and fabrics, variety of spices, and

a vast history

It is the home of many religions and languages

There are remnants of the past all over India in the

temple towns and ruins

There have been many empires that contribute to

India’s rich history

MY PERSONAL INTEREST IN INDIA

In elementary school we had a section where we

learned about India’s history and cultural customs.

We had people come sing, dance and play

traditional Indian music.

I was always drawn to the colorful country

When I came to school at KU med and realized I

had a chance to go, I had to apply!

SITE INFORMATION

Christian Medical Center campus

Modale hostel

Safe/gated/guarded campus in Vellore, India

Cantine for meals

HOSPITAL/CLINIC FOR OT

Many settings for OT students to observe Inpatient/outpatient at the hospital

CHAD (community health and development)

Pediatric clinic in the hospital

Neonatology/NICU in the hospital

Rehab institute

MOST PROFOUND CLINICAL/ACADEMIC

EXPERIENCE

Causes of TBI/SCI in India vs. U.S.A.

Family involvement at Rehab Institute

Walking taught at T8-10 for SCI

Cultural view of assistive devices

MOST PROFOUND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

People inviting us into their homes and feeding us

Older women touching me and smiling at me

HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS DIFFERENCES

Insurance

Sheer amount of patients

Government hospitals

Travel for care

The Christian

Medical Center

hospital campus

A woman handed off one of her triplets to me at Neonatology

The beautiful CMC campus

Home visits in the community with an OT student named Ruth

We also were able to travel on the weekends