VIIDAI: A binational approach to 21st century public health education, community impact, and research

VIIDAI (Viaje de Integracion, Interinstitucional, Docente, Assistencial y de Investigacion) is a binational collaboration of multi-disciplinary faculty and student teams from Universidad de Baja California (UABC) Tijuana, School of Medicine, Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH) San Diego State University and the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine. Over the past 10 years, increasing numbers of participants, with currently 180 students and faculty, conduct biannual 4 day public health and clinical field trips in vulnerable indigenous populations of the migrant camps and colonias of San Quintin, Baja California. Clinical and public health teams are formed with Mexican and U.S. faculty and students, and disciplines from all components of public health, a variety of medical specialties, psychology, geography, and the social sciences. Clinical, psychology, and dental services are provided; medical students participate in non-clinical public health outreach. Community engagement and prioritization of public health projects occurs via coordination with the colonia opinion leaders and indigenous school teachers. Partnerships with U.S. and Mexican charitable foundations and service organizations (e.g., Rotary International, Bixby Foundation) has expanded research and service capabilities, through funding of equipment and supplies, resulting in an ongoing community presence with interventional and community resource components. Students acquire skills in survey design; community sampling methodologies; ethnographic interview techniques; field laboratory diagnostics; and analysis and report writing. VIIDAI is a positive demonstration of synergy between university, community, and NGOs for international public health practice and the high service impact that results with true collaboration with the host county.