Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract/Objectives

This project aims to reach underserved areas in Taiwan and provide preventive health education and health promotion services, while fostering mutual learning between medical students and local residents. Partnering with community-based hospitals and public health agencies, students participate in various activities such as assisting healthcare professionals at rural health stations, conducting home visits and health education for patients with chronic diseases, following up on patients discharged from emergency care, and supporting policy promotion including vaccination reminders. Through these experiences, students not only gain practical knowledge and skills required in different clinical settings, but also develop a deeper understanding of rural healthcare challenges, cross-cultural communication, and the spirit of humanistic care. At the same time, health education programs help residents strengthen their awareness of disease prevention and improve their ability to manage personal health, ultimately enhancing community well-being. We believe that each service effort plants seeds of change in rural areas, bringing long-term and meaningful impact to both local healthcare development and community health.

Results/Contributions

This course is designed for government-sponsored medical students, aiming to integrate theoretical learning with rural healthcare practice, and to cultivate students’ clinical skills, humanistic care, and spirit of service. The course is divided into three main components: pre-departure training, on-site rural service, and post-service reflection and discussion.

1. Pre-departure training: Students receive volunteer service training, learning health knowledge and health promotion concepts to prepare for on-site service.

2. On-site service: Students, according to the course plan, are assigned to rural community clinics, public health centers, and home visits. Their activities include assisting medical staff with daily tasks, caring for patients with chronic illnesses, promoting health education, and guiding exercise programs for the elderly. They also participate in healthcare policy advocacy, such as reminding and following up with residents regarding vaccinations. Through interactions with local medical teams and residents, students gain an in-depth understanding of the current status of rural healthcare, community needs, and resource limitations.

3. Post-service reflection: After completing the service, students write reflection reports and engage in classroom discussions and sharing sessions. This process allows students to reflect on their experiences, learning outcomes, and areas for improvement. It promotes self-observation and clinical reflection, linking foundational medical knowledge with clinical practice, and emphasizing the importance of integrating knowledge, attitudes, and skills. For local healthcare teams and residents, student participation not only provides tangible assistance but also symbolizes the generational continuity of medical service, enhancing community trust and recognition of rural healthcare.

Overall, this course successfully promotes the professional growth of medical students while positively impacting health education and primary healthcare services in rural communities.

Keywords

Service Learning, Medical Services in Remote Areas, Government Sponsored Physicians(GSPs), Health Literacy, Health Promotion

References

1. https://www.mlshb.gov.tw/nc/article?id=bdc1269b-a301-4bdf-a8c8-1fc2007d302e

清華大學學士後醫學系醫學生深入偏鄉體驗醫療服務與團隊合作

Contact Information

謝至珊
chihshan@mx.nthu.edu.tw