Studying Rural Healthcare in India!

Maura Hawkins Start Date: Jan 23, 2024 - End Date: Jul 22, 2024
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

My Travel Story

by: Maura Hawkins Start Date: Jan 23, 2024 - End Date: Jul 22, 2024
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
This "Healthcare in Rural India" course will instruct clinical and diagnostic opportunities affecting medicine in India. Each student will set up medical camps in towns with health disparities and work alongside medical professionals. This course is a 3-credit class, which will count for credit for my Biomedical Sciences minor.
A scholarship is necessary for me to participate in this program because much of my savings went to unexpected expenses. Most of my funds were spent on medical bills, and I got into a car accident, which was costly and took up most of my saved cash. I had a part-time job on the weekend, but because of my intensive course load, I had to take leave, focus on college, and participate in the marching band most weekends. 
My grandfather was a small-town dentist in Grove Hill, Alabama. After observing how he helped the community, I knew I wanted to be in a similar healthcare profession. I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biomedical Sciences and am currently in the Early Acceptance Program with the College of Medicine. I aim to attend medical school at South to become a rural family physician.
I choose to study abroad in rural India because it will be an excellent opportunity for personal and academic growth. Since high school, I have wanted to explore different countries after traveling yearly to Belize in Central America, where I am a dual citizen. From my experiences working alongside medical professionals in rural counties in Alabama and Belize, I recognize the chance to broaden my perspectives in India. I hope to gain and explore India's rich traditions, customs, and healthcare practices, providing a unique opportunity to understand and address medical issues affecting rural communities.
I participate in the Freshman Leadership Program, the Honors College HCA, the Jaguar Marching Band, and AED at the University. The Freshman Leadership Program has encouraged me to reach out to the Mobile community, where I found a local food pantry to volunteer at. Every Tuesday at Love All Food Pantry, I help lead the packaging and preparation of food packages to give to those in need. 
When I return from this study abroad program, I plan to incorporate the knowledge I have gained into research with the Honors College regarding rural medicine in the United States.
  • Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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