Culture and Clinic: An Exploration into the Mongolian Healthcare System

Laurel Druschitz Medical School Enrichment Program

Summer 2012

Fun Facts

Population: 2.75 million Currency: Mongolian Tugrik

Exchange Rate: 1350 Tugriks:1 Dollar

Location: Landlocked between Russia and China Language: Mongolian

Climate: Large temperature ranges

Terrain: Steppe, desert, and mounatins

Government: Parliamentary Religion: Buddhist

History • 12th Century: Chieftain named Temujin (Chinggis Khan)

succeeds in uniting Mongol tribes

• Mongol Empire stretches from present-day Poland to Korea

• 17th Century: Mongolia is incorporated into Qing Dynasty

• 1911: Qing Dynasty collapses and Mongolia declares independence

• 1921: Mongolia becomes independent country

Goals and Objectives 1. Gain an appreciation for the Mongolian culture 2. Explore traditional medicine as practiced in Mongolia 3. Raise money and help construct a simulation laboratory for nurses

and doctors Sukhbaatar Province General Hospital 4. Refine History and Physical Exam skills on patients in a rural setting 5. Learn how to apply basic science knowledge to the treatment of

patients 6. Experience medical care in a bilingual setting

Homestay

11 people living in this home

Ger

No running water

Store

Nomad Lifestyle

~30% of population is nomadic

Nomad Lifestyle

Cooking

Cow Dung Coals

Stove

Buuz

Goat Meat

Food

NashaTasha

Kim Bap

Sightseeing

Buddhist Statue

Horse Zodiac Statue

Sukhbaatar Province General Hospital

Sukhbaatar Province General Hospital

Operating Room

Patient Care

Sukhbaatar Province General Hospital

NICU

Ultrasound EEG

Children’s Community Center

Skills Laboratory

Naadam Festival

Archery Wrestling

Budget

Airplane Ticket

$2800

Housing $0 Food/Supplies $300 Immigration/Fees

$150

Travel once in country

$150

Gifts/Souvenirs $100 Total $3500

Tips • Bring deodorant, sunscreen, shampoo,

and conditioner • Always carry a supply of toilet

paper/tissues/wet naps and soap • Bring a pillow • Attempt to speak the language as soon

as you get there • Learn how to say numbers in Mongolian

as soon as you can • Fly Korean Air