History

USF Health lacked a Student-led interdisciplinary organization that allows students from all health sciences areas to work together. In 2005, a small group of of USF students with an interest in international Health from the colleges of Medicine and Public Health had the vision of creating the IHSC. Ever since, we had been actively involved in local health service events and international sustainable health projects in Ecuador, Dominican Republic, and recently in Panama.

Mission

The International Health Service Collaborative (IHSC) is a group of USF Health students, faculty, and professionals committed to global sustainability and interprofessional development. Through our annual medical service trips to Panama, the organization allows students to develop clinical and interpersonal skills while contributing to the development of a global community.

Goals

• To encourage collaboration between students in all areas of health sciences

• To create a forum for interdisciplinary education and discussion about health topics and sustainable solutions

• To plan and carry out health service projects for communities in the U.S. and developing countries using input from multiple health sciences fields and community leaders

• To plan and carry out research projects relating to medicine and public health, including evaluation of our own projects

Members

IHSC is an interdisciplinary organization that includes students from the Colleges of Medicine, Public Health, Pharmacy, and the School of Physical Therapy.

The IHSC executive board consists of a diverse group of individuals with impressive health experiences, from current health professionals to former Peace corps volunteers. The board is elected every year after the summer trip.

Partnerships

• University of Panama
• Panamanian Ministry of Health
• USF Health Panama
• U.S. Peace Corps

Faculty Advisors

• COPH: Jesse Casanova
• MCOM: Dr. Lynette Menezes
• Physician Preceptor: Dr. Sam Crane