A Cry for Help: Suicide Attempts by an Iraqi Refugee and the Role of Community Service Learning

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The UOJM 8.1 cover depicts a heart valve replacement surgery, and draws a contrast between the fine movements of the surgeons’ hands and the tempestuous task below.
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Published: May 7, 2018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18192/uojm.v8i1.2346
Keywords:
Community Service Learning, Refugees, Mental Health

Main Article Content

Jennifer T DCruz
University of Ottawa

Abstract




Community Service Learning (CSL) is a method of teaching where students learn through active participation in thoughtfully organized community service. CSL has emerged as a promising training method to address the changing needs of medical students and to improve their social accountability (1,2). Medical schools are beginning to incorporate community service learning into their curriculums as a way to introduce students to the complicated world of delivering care to vulnerable populations.


Mr. A, a refugee from Iraq, immigrated to Canada in June 2015 with his family. Five months later, during a CSL medical intake interview with two medical students and an Arabic interpreter, he revealed to have ongoing suicidal ideation and multiple suicide attempts. Due to significant cultural taboos and stigma around mental illness, Mr. A was initially very hesitant to seek medical help. However, with the help of the CSL program he was able to get much needed medical care.




Article Details

Issue
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2018): Surgery and Transplantation
Section
Case Report & Elective report
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References

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