Leon, Nicaragua

Background

Duke University School of Medicine and UNAN-Leon School of Medical Sciences forged a research and education collaboration in the summer of 2007. The medical university at Leon has a history of previous international academic collaborations with other institutions, such as Umea University in Sweden, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Yale University and the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona in Spain. UNAN-Leon also has a solid population-based research infrastructure and a demonstrated commitment to improving the rigor and research capability of its academic institution.

Clinical Opportunities

HEODRA is a 400 bed public teaching hospital, operated by the Ministry of Health, and located in the heart of Leon. It is the only governmental facility in the region offering advanced obstetric and pediatric care. The hospital has established departments of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Plastic Surgery, Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Anesthesiology. For those trainees interested in the study and treatment of infectious diseases, the Leon site provides exposure to illness uncommon in the United States.  A level of Spanish language proficiency is required for those applying for a global health experience in Leon. Duke trainees are encouraged to visit outlying health clinics.

Research 

A collaborative research project studying inpatient febrile illness at HEODRA University Hospital is underway. The study is led by investigators from Duke, UNAN-Leon and Johns Hopkins, with the potential for Duke resident participation. Other opportunities may be explored through the three main research centers affiliated with UNAN: The Center for Epidemiology and Health Research (CIDS), The Center for Investigation of Health, Work, and Environment (CISTA), and the Center for Infectious Disease (CEI).