FAQ'S

1. How do I sign up to take the course?
   Under the tab, “Registration,” you will see directions on how to register for the course. Download the PDF application form on the page, fill it out, and return it either by fax or via scanned email to Martha Rodriguez at mrodriguez@psm.edu.
   
   Note: Since this course is a credited clinical clerkship elective, you must receive authorization from your school in order to enroll and receive credit at your current institution.
   
    

2. What is the cost of tuition?
   Course Cost: $2,425.00
   *An application fee of $100.00 will be credited towards the total cost of the course. This includes a one-year access to the online component of the course.
   
    

3. Who can I contact to ask questions or to receive assistance?
   Please contact Martha Rodriguez at mrodriguez@psm.edu or by calling (787) 844-1930 or (787) 840-2575 ext. 2271.
   
    

4. Can I start the online component before coming to PSMHS, to get a head start?
   Once you sign up for the clerkship, PSMHS will give you access to the online component so that you can begin to review and become familiar with the modules. In addition, you may begin in advance to complete the homework modules, if you wish. You will have access to the online component for one year.
   
    

5. When is the course offered?
   The course is offered throughout the year. Dates for clinical activities in Ponce during academic year 2011-12 are as follows:
   • Monday, October 24, 2011 – Friday, November 18, 2011
   • Monday, November 21, 2011 –Friday, December 16, 2011
   • Monday, January 2, 2012 – Friday, January 27, 2012
   • Monday, January 30, 2012 – Friday, February 24, 2012
   • Monday, February 27, 2012 - Friday, March 23, 2012
   • Monday, March 26, 2012 – Friday, April 20, 2012
   • Monday, April 23, 2012 – Friday, May 18, 2012
   
   Special arrangements may be made according to availability of supervising faculty.
   
    
6. When can I begin?
   At this time, the course has a flexible schedule. For example, you may sign up now and begin the online portion of the class.
   
    

7. What is the benefit to taking this Elective through the PSMHS in Ponce, Puerto Rico?
   While there are other medical Spanish courses offered, there are no other medical Spanish Clerkship Electives offered at a U.S. accredited medical school, in a fully immersed environment. Puerto Rico offers a full immersion in language and Hispanic culture, which is not available at any other U.S. medical school. There are many aspects of Hispanic culture that are completely unique. Gaining an understanding of the dynamics and importance of the extended family for instance is just one instance of being able to communicate with patients from Hispanic cultures. Another benefit of the PSMHS Spanish Medical Elective is that this course may be eligible for full clinical credit at your medical school.
   
    

8. What is the benefit to taking this course in Puerto Rico?
   As medical students and public health students preparing for a career, you will benefit from creating a competitive advantage for yourself. Medical students pursuing Residency programs will find that in nearly any urban and rural setting in the United States, speaking Spanish is vital when communicating with many of your patients. This is even more so the case in certain areas of the country with a large Spanish speaking population, which extends to most of today’s urban centers. Indeed, the statistics of population growth for the United States indicates that the Hispanic population is growing so fast, that it is nearly becoming imperative that medical practitioners be able to speak and understand Spanish in order to best treat their patients.