Health is not the absence of disease or a static ‘state’ - rather, health is defined as one’s ability to adapt and (self-)manage. The definition of positive health embraces six dimensions, including bodily functions, mental functions and perceptions, spiritual dimension, quality of life, social and societal participation, and daily functioning. In this minor, we focus on these contextual factors, such as lifestyle, patients’ individual coping styles and empowerment, which are all very important in assessing the right diagnosis and care for your patient. However, such a ‘positive health’ definition is still rather individualized. In this minor, we take you beyond such a rather individualized notion of health. What are determinants of health? And how can we influence them? This includes a deeper understanding of how health is embedded in larger societal structures, from health systems to import diseases, from gender and racism to global warming.
If you understand the factors that influence the perception of health, you will realize that being a health professional requires more than determining the correct diagnose and prescribe medication. Being a doctor for all patients across diverse backgrounds, especially in a city like Amsterdam, you should be able to practice health advocacy, arrange care for people with chronic diseases as close to people’s homes as possible, and empower people to organize their lives and quality of life. You will face challenges, such as maintaining the quality and continuity of care, managing uncertainty, providing access and outreach for underserved communities, taking into account psychosocial and socioeconomic factors, and addressing lifestyle factors (such as nutrition) that affect health. Furthermore, doctors should be aware of differences and inequalities and their connections to biological and social processes in men and women across e.g. (socio)cultural backgrounds, class, sexual orientation (intersectionality), and provide equitable and inclusive health care. As this is quite a challenging job, it is also important to care for your own health as a health professional!
Amsterdam Global Health focuses on these (global) health issues, from a primary care and community care perspective and from a gender and diversity perspective, and will support reflection and reflexivity – because who you are as a doctor matters as well. Based on the principles of Community Service Learning, students will conduct small student-generated participatory projects in collaboration with community care institutions and nonprofit-organizations such as Dokters van de Wereld, gain meaningful learning experiences, and provide practical support to the community organizations.
The minor (24 or 30 EC) consists of two components:
- The minor-module Amsterdam Global Health (24 EC)
- Tracks of 30 EC will be completed with a literature essay (6 EC)
NB: Exchange students who wish to apply for one of these tracks need to have completed at least 90 EC in a relevant program, like for example in medicine, biomedicine, psychobiology, technical medicine, medical biology, liberal arts & sciences or biopharmaceutical sciences.