STEER Program
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA)—the UT medical school that serves the South Texas/Border Region—offers unique field experiences at the U.S.-Mexico Border for students enrolled in U.S. MD/MPH, medical, public health, and other health professions degree programs. This 4-week elective is presented by the South Texas Environmental Education and Research (STEER) program, based in Laredo since 1996 and Harlingen since 2004.
You may be eligible for free housing and tuition.
WHO ATTENDS? Several times each year, approximately 7 to 15 students from accredited health professions schools across the country are invited to join the Border Health Scholars Program. Participants study in either Laredo/Nuevo Laredo or Harlingen/Matamoros for 4 weeks, or they may combine these for an 8-week elective (“4+4” STEER Program) by enrolling in both locations. More than 300 health professions students from 30 states have participated in these 4-week experiences. Spanish is not required.
CAN I GET CREDIT FOR THIS? Most institutions grant 3-4 credits toward a medical degree, public health or other health professions degree, or cross-credits for an MD/MPH degree. We are happy to provide any information your school requires.
WHAT WILL I LEARN? If you are interested in international health, public health, or environmental health, this is an unforgettable in vivo experience that will help you see new career opportunities. You will learn from dozens of health practitioners in clinics and hospitals, researchers, promotoras (community health workers), and front-line public health workers on both sides of the Border. These dedicated individuals face the challenges of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, rapid growth and industrialization, poverty, lack of sanitation, and water pollution. You will explore cultural differences that impact health and medical practice, and learn about community-based research in childhood asthma, diabetes and obesity. You will hear about a host of environmental exposures, including pesticides among migrant farm workers, lead, mercury, indoor air pollutants, mold, allergens, and exposures that can affect the endocrine, nervous and respiratory systems. Experts from the CDC, U.S. Public Health Service, and the State of Texas will teach you how they track infectious diseases like dengue fever, rabies, and tuberculosis. You will participate in instructional visits to water and waste-water treatment plants, a recycling operation, a sanitary landfill, colonias, farmacias, maquiladoras and a busy international port. You will hike with an herbalist, perform a restaurant inspection, and learn about vector control at a working ranch, animal shelter, and renowned zoo. And you will have ample time to reflect upon your experiences with your instructors and classmates, while you enjoy a colorful, historic, and culturally rich region.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY:
“Uniquely the best program I have attended in my academic career. It taught me invaluable information that will stick with me for a lifetime.”
“The issues facing South Texas are in large measure those facing the nation and, more importantly, the planet. I wish that all of my colleagues, indeed all Americans, could have this kind of experience.”
“A phenomenal ‘eye opener.’”
WHEN IS THE STEER ROTATION OFFERED?
LAREDO, TEXAS / NUEVO LAREDO HARLINGEN, TEXAS / MATAMOROS
January 2 - January 25 March 31 - April 25
January 28 - February 22 June 2 - June 27
June 2 - June 27 July 7 - August 1
July 7 - August 1 September 24 - October 17
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? See our website http://steer.uthscsa.edu for information and a downloadable application, or contact us directly: steer@uthscsa.edu. STEER is directed by Claudia S. Miller, M.D., M.S., Professor, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Vice Chair for Community Medicine in the Department of Family & Community Medicine, UTHSCSA. Available activities vary with site and time of year. Ask us for sample calendars.
AWARDS STEER HAS RECEIVED:
Spirit of the Land Award, Salt Lake Olympic Organizing Committee
Texas Environmental Excellence Award, Texas State Governor’s Award
Partnership Award, Association of Physician Assistant Programs