Deaf Health Pathway
The Deaf Health Pathway provides additional courses, electives, activities and projects over the four years of medical school for those students with interests in the health, language and culture of the Deaf community. This Pathway is a student-initiated and student- coordinated curriculum* with faculty support and oversight through the Division of Medical Humanities. Student co-ordinators receive credit for their work through the “curriculum design” elective.
* Each year, 1 – 2 DHP students elect to participate in curriculum development, evaluation, and co-ordination of a particular component of the Pathway for their year-- Part I in first year (seminar content and evaluation activities) , or Part II or Part III in second year, or electives, or community outreach/service activities in third and fourth year
Admission to the Pathway is through a competitive application process. Enrollment is limited to 10 students each year.
Goals
- To provide students with a foundation in Deaf health, language, and culture that can be used and developed in their subsequent medical training.
- To communicate with Deaf patients using ASL in an emergency setting in the absence of an interpreter to obtain key immediate medical history to facilitate the urgency of healthcare while an interpreter is being arranged.
- To understand major healthcare issues pertaining to the Deaf community, and learn about resources available to help meet the healthcare needs of Deaf patients.
- To appreciate and understand current research in the area of Deaf health, and learn about opportunities for continuing education in Deaf health needs and in American Sign Language.
