University of New England

Team from UNE's medical school traveling to China Medical University to discuss collaboration

BIDDEFORD, Maine - A team of three faculty members and administrators from the University of New England's College of Osteopathic Medicine will be traveling to Shenyang, China, March 22-27, 2008 to meet with officials from China Medical University to discuss collaborations between the two universities.

Jacquelyn Cawley

Ron Deprez

India Broyles

Jacquelyn Cawley, D.O., interim dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ron Deprez, Ph.D., M.P.H., executive director of The Center for Health Policy, Planning and Research and India Broyles, Ed.D., associate professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine, hope to strengthen UNE's international alliances through the visit. 

This meeting comes as a follow-up to meetings held at UNE in 2005 with a number of Asian medical schools. 

China Medical University has been charged by the Chinese Government to oversee the revitalization of the Barefoot Doctor Program. During the Shenyang visit the UNECOM team will share medical education, quality improvement and research in primary care.

Student and faculty exchange opportunities, education opportunities, and how UNECOM might assist China Medical University in the implementation of barefoot doctors program will be explored. There will be a special focus on education and training in the care of patients with chronic health conditions. 

The philosophy of Barefoot Doctor Program is similar in many ways to principles of osteopathic medicine.  It views the body as a whole integral unit.

(Press release posted March 20, 2008.)