Web Feature
In Mexico, SPH students learn about migration and health
In July 2007, four students from the School of Public Health participated in a week-long program, the Summer Institute on Migration and Health, which took place in Puebla, Mexico. The Berkeley Diversity Research Initiative supported the attendance of Dr.P.H. students Juan Ibarra and Fatima M. Rodriguez and M.P.H. students Julia Zeuli and Maria (Terry) Minjares. The students were able to gain analytical and practical tools that they can apply toward addressing migratory public health issues. Workshops and keynotes offered during the week focused on topics such as health promotion among migrant populations, qualitative research in migration and health, and migration and human rights. Students also took a day-long field trip to a nearby community with prominent migration rates to the United States. They were able to talk to the local mayor, listen to stories by the family members left behind, and observe the impact of the U.S. dollar on the community.
According to Director of Diversity Abby M. Rincón, who also attended the summer institute, "Juan, Fatima, Terry, and Julia worked very hard all last year as they saw the tremendous need to increase students’ critical knowledge and understanding of migration and public health of (im)migrants of the Americas. They researched various programs in México, met with faculty and requested funding to participate in the summer institute in Puebla. I’m very impressed with their ambition and commitment, and I hope this exciting program is one that many SPH students attend in the years to come."
The Binational Summer Institute on Migration and Health is a program developed by the Health Initiative of the Americas (formerly the California-México Health Initiative), which recently joined the School of Public Health.
SPH students, from left to right: Julia Zeuli, Terry Minjares, Juan Ibarra, Fatima Rodriguez, along with colleagues Oscar Lanza and Jonathan Lemon.
Students' comments:
The Puebla Conference on Migration and Health allowed me to learn the relevant health-related issues faced by Mexican and Central American migrants who move within the Americas. The issues (e.g., creating binational health insurance for migrants, creating transnational surveillance systems, and reducing the burden of infectious diseases among migrants) are complex. I was also able to interact with researchers, students, and community leaders from both the U.S. and Mexico. I learned that working professionals and researchers from both countries have a great interest to learn about binational health research opportunities at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health. I was honored and pleased that our University was able to support my attendance at this important conference. I hope that our University and School of Public Health continue to support other students who are interested in this timely and relevant public health related issue.
Juan G. Ibarra, Dr.P.H.(c), M.P.H., M.S.W.
Doctorate in Public Health Program
My attendance provided me the opportunity to truly understand the complex issues Latinos face, but also confirmed the need for public health professionals who can begin to address these issues. This conference also allowed me to see the network of professionals from health, policy, and social science sectors needed to serve Latino communities successfully, which demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations and curriculum.
Maria (Terry) Minjares, 2nd Year M.P.H.
Environmental Health Sciences
The experience in Puebla exceeded all my expectations. I was deeply touched by every aspect of the conference—from the lectures offered by prominent U.S. and Mexican researchers and advocates, interactive workshops that encouraged brainstorming about strategies to improve the health of Mexican and Central American migrants/immigrants, dialogue with colleagues in medicine and public health, to the field trips to cultural and historical landmarks of Mexico. The conference in Puebla reminded me of where I am from and that my roots are rich, deep, and strong; whom I am working for and with; and the great opportunity and responsibility I have to continue learning and advancing a public health agenda that improves the health and well-being of my community. I was reinvigorated by this wonderful personal, academic and professional journey.
Fátima Marinely Rodríguez, M.P.H.
Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) student
The conference in Puebla has been the highlight of my experience at UC Berkeley—it allowed me the opportunity to learn more about immigrant related research and issues, it also provided me with the opportunity to meet with the one people who were doing the work face to face. It was an invaluable experience.
Julia Zeuli, 2nd Year M.P.H.
Public Health Nutrition
