Then president of Panama, Dr. Belisario Porras, contrived the concept of a Latin American regional institute for tropical medicine research. Several countries participated, but not all, and then the institute was handed to the US to continue the work on tropical research (yellow fever, malaria, dengue) in honor of Dr. Gorgas. The Institute stands today, and it has expanded to conduct all types of public health related research, such as chronic disease, sexual and reproductive health, influenza, among others. Also, researchers at the institute work by applying quantitative, qualitative, clinical, geo-referencing, epidemiological, and numerous techniques. During the SARs-SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) pandemic it was the lead research institute acting to diagnose and study the epidemic in Panama. This is one of USF’s closest partners in Panama.

The institute is also located within the same campus as the USF COPH Panama Program office, facilitating exchange and collaboration. INDICASAT began as a high-end technological infrastructure for biomedical research and drug discovery based on the extensive biodiversity of the Panamanian wildlife and vegetation. Since then, the focus has expanded to include behavioral research, aging, infectious and chronic disease research, and many other topics. Our students and faculty have conducted field experiences, and research projects with our colleagues in INDICASAT for many years.

Originally housing the US military Southern Command, now a research and academic campus, it accommodates a myriad of international organizations working on research, academic, cultural, and sporting exchange. Some of the agencies found at the City of Knowledge, include, but are not limited to: United Nations (UNICEF, UNFPA, among others), World Food Programme, Special Olympics, international universities, and others. The City of Knowledge includes lodging, restaurants, cultural, entertainment, and sporting facilities. The USF COPH Panama Program works closely with the City of Knowledge in the development of field experiences, exchange, and study abroad programs for our students and faculty.

National state run university. It offers all degrees, from law to humanities, to nutrition and medicine. The college of medicine holds a small public health school that collaborates with USF. Our faculty works closely with the department of Pharmacology in different initiatives. There are also private universities in Panama, with which the COPH collaborates.

Panama is a country rich in biological diversity. The museum, designed by renowned international architect Frank Gehry and located in the beautiful Amador Causeway—entrance into the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean. At the biomuseum, students can learn about the origins of Panama, and apply the lush biological diversity and cultural heritage into public health solutions.

The museum often holds interactive exhibits on health and sociocultural matters. The Biomuseum is also the headquarters for the Panamanian March for Science, conducted annually since 2017.

Provides health care delivery (primary, secondary, tertiary), maternity leave, disability, and retirement services to Panamanians. The CSS holds clinics nationwide, secondary level centers, and hospitals providing opportunities for health studies and experiences in clinical settings for students and faculty in all of the health sciences.

Leader in public health policy in the country. The Ministry of Health oversees all health-related activity and research in the country. Focusing mostly on prevention, community health centers or clinics are located around the country. The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) has identified the Panamanian immunization program as the most complete in the Americas. And, the World Health Organization awarded a recognition to the tobacco control program for its efforts in control since 2000. The ministry has epidemiological, nutrition, chronic disease, infant health, indigenous, and sexual and reproductive health departments. These are all opportunities to learn hands-on public health practice or conduct research in the field.

Panama has state of the art private hospitals and clinics that offer access to training and research opportunities. Medical tourism is popular in Panama, with experienced providers, mostly trained in the US. Some private clinics include: Punta Pacífica, Punta Paitilla, and San Fernando among others.

Local movement that initiated in 2016 as a response to the needed resources and support science endeavors need. The movement has grown to include hundreds of members and affiliate organizations, this is a network that provides a channel to identify possible opportunities for learning and research.