The September 2024 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) cohort from Texila American University Zambia (TAUZ) recently undertook an educational field trip to Kafue as part of their academic training, providing them with valuable exposure to rural healthcare delivery systems.
The field trip, led by Senior Lecturer in the School of Public Health, Ms. Niza Rean Belvin, was designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world healthcare practice by allowing students to observe and appreciate the delivery of health services in rural communities.
During the visit, the students interacted with healthcare professionals and gained practical insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with providing quality healthcare in resource-limited settings. They also learned about primary healthcare services, community health interventions, disease prevention strategies, and the importance of delivering patient-centred care in rural environments.
Speaking during the field trip, Ms. Belvin said the experience was an important component of the MBChB programme as it equips students with a broader understanding of Zambia’s healthcare system and prepares them to serve diverse communities across the country.
“The exposure enables students to appreciate the realities of rural healthcare delivery while developing the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes required to provide quality healthcare services wherever they may be deployed,” she said.
The field trip also reinforced the students’ understanding of public health principles and highlighted the critical role healthcare professionals play in promoting equitable access to quality health services.
Texila American University Zambia remains committed to producing competent, compassionate, and socially responsible medical professionals through experiential learning opportunities that complement classroom instruction. Regular field visits, clinical placements, and community engagement activities form an integral part of the University’s practical approach to medical education, ensuring graduates are well prepared to address the evolving healthcare needs of Zambia and beyond.
